Lionel Messi returned to the spotlight in Major League Soccer (MLS) after his participation in the Club World Cup.
The Argentine star scored a brace in Inter Miami’s convincing 1-4 victory over CF Montreal on Saturday, July 5, a match that reaffirmed the Florida team as one of the championship’s leaders.
This was Messi’s first game for Inter Miami following his elimination in the round of 16 of the Club World Cup against Paris Saint-Germain, his former team.
Despite a shaky start, the captain of the pink team ended up being the star of the night on Canadian soil.
Initial mistake and comeback
The greatest of all time 🐐 pic.twitter.com/gr4vRt7QHX
– Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) July 6, 2025
The match started with a scare for Inter Miami.
Just two minutes in, a poor pass from Messi was intercepted by Prince Owusu, who put Montreal ahead.
However, Javier Mascherano’s team reacted with personality.
In the 19th minute, Argentine Tadeo Allende equalized the score with a great finish after a team play.
Then Messi appeared at his best: he scored his first goal of the night in the 33rd minute with a classic move of his, leaving opponents behind with an unstoppable slalom.
In the second half, Venezuela’s Telasco Segovia extended the lead with a powerful shot from outside the area (61st minute).
Finally, in the 79th minute, Messi scored his brace with another brilliant individual move, rounding three defenders and placing the ball near the post, impossible for the goalkeeper.
Inter Miami, fighting for the top of the East
With this victory, Inter Miami has 32 points and is in sixth place in the Eastern Conference, although with four games behind the leader, FC Cincinnati, which has 42 points.
The difference in games in hand keeps Mascherano’s team as serious contenders for the lead if they can maintain the level shown this weekend.
Messi’s return is big news for MLS, not only because of his impact on Inter Miami’s performance, but also because of the media and commercial boost his presence represents every matchday.
Other outstanding results
The match between Austin FC and Los Angeles FC (LAFC) was postponed due to the devastating storms that have affected the state of Texas, leaving at least 52 people dead, according to local authorities.
MLS has not announced a new date for this match.
Saturday’s MLS action included several vibrant matches:
Houston Dynamo defeated San Diego FC 3-4 as visitors, with two goals by Argentine Ezequiel Ponce, the last of them in the 100th minute.
Charlotte FC and Orlando City drew 2-2.
DC United and Atlanta United played to a goalless draw (0-0).
San Jose Earthquakes and New York Red Bulls finished 1-1.
FC Cincinnati defeated the Chicago Fire 2-1 to remain at the top of the East.
Nashville SC beat the Philadelphia Union 1-0.
Real Salt Lake beat St. Louis City SC 3-2.
Portland Timbers defeated the New England Revolution 2-1.
Con esta victoria, el Inter Miami suma 32 puntos y se ubica en la sexta posición de la Conferencia Este
