July 5, 2025
Lionel Messi shines as Inter Miami defeat CF Montreal at home
Given the reception that Argentine superstar Lionel Messi received at Stade Saputo tonight, would lead people to believe that Inter Miami were the home team, not the visitors. And given the level of heightened security around the stadium, one might think the Pope himself was in town.
Still, with Lionel Messi came a whole swarm of supporters, filling Stade Saputo to capacity, which has been a rare occurrence this season.
See Also: CF Montreal earn their first home win over New York City FC
As the crowd began to chant Messi, Messi Messi, the Argentinian superstar provided an assist on the opening goal of the game – only not as everyone might have expected.
Messi played the ball back towards his defender, and right into the path of CF Montreal striker Prince Owusu, who gladly accepted the gaff and made Inter Miami pay as he buried the ball into the back of the net.
Just two minutes in, and Montreal had taken the early lead.
Despite the packed stadium, most of whom were adorned in pink or one of the variety of teams that Lionel Messi has played for over the years, many dropped in Argentinean flags – some in the Uruguayan flag in support of Inter Miami’s other star, Luis Suarez, this felt more like an away game for CF Montreal.
The crowd roared each and every single time Lionel Messi played the ball. From the slightest of touches to his more profound, game breaking moments. It was clear throughout the entire match who the fans had come out to see.
In turn, CF Montreal gave one of their better performances, as a whole, on the season. But the gap in class was significant and despite their great early start, it was soon clear that they were holding on for dear life.
As the match wore on, Messi only grew stronger. Even at 38 years of age, he danced around the Montreal midfield, maneuvered through their defense as is they were orange traffic cones put out for a drill at practice, and threaded balls past Jonathan Sirois with ease.
Inter Miami soon charged back, equalizing on a beautiful goal from Tadeo Allende in the 33rd minute when Allende received a slick pass from none other than Lionel Messi, and slammed a hard long shot beyond outstretched Montreal goalkeeper.
Seven minutes later, Messi danced and weaved his magic, as he decked out several Montreal players, cut left and curled in a beautiful shot that left goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois no chance at stopping. Sirois had played a brilliant game but the quality of Inter Miami was too much for CF Montreal.
The second half saw total domination by Inter Miami as the home town lads seemed to tire out, probably due to the exhausting task of trying to keep both Messi and Suarez under wraps.
In the 62nd minute, Inter Miami again would find a way to beat Sirois, as Telasco Segovia absolutely riffled a shot that caught the underneath of the crossbar and ricocheted into the goal mouth.
Just two minutes later. and Lionel Messi again was weaving his magic, maneuvering his way through what seemed like the entire Montreal line-up, before once again beating Sirois with a gorgeous shot.
Messi had his brace and the crowd were on their feet, roaring and dancing as if their home town team had scored a cup clinching tally.
Lionel Messi was denied his hat trick, when his third goal was called back for being offside – and the crowd in Montreal booed the referees call. The crowd booed for a goal that was disallowed to the opposing team. Let that sink in for a moment. That is the reach that Lionel Messi has on the football, sorry, the soccer world.
“We played our game.” said interim CF Montreal coach Marco Donadel. “We didn’t take advantage of the 1-0 lead and then the difference is their quality. It is not enough for this Club. In general, we are happy, because we played openly against this team and we created the same amount of chances and shots on target. But on the other side, we know that we could show more desire to win and that we could do more.”
Read More:
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For the MLS, having Lionel Messi in the league is nothing short of a triumph. The attention he brings to the league, and the ticket sales that come from fans wanting a chance to see him play, are outstanding. Messi is one of the greats of the game and it is paramount that Inter Miami keep him in the league – for everyone’s sake.
CF Montreal return to action on Wednesday when it hosts Forge FC in the return leg of the Canadian Championship quarterfinals at Stade Saputo, in a must-win game. CF Montreal trail Forge FC and must deliver a strong and convincing performance if they wish to advance in the tournament. Meanwhile, Inter Miami will travel to Massachusetts to take on the New England Revolution on Wednesday.
