Inter Miami are back in MLS action following their elimination by PSG in the round of 16 at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. Their first match back is as visitors against CF Montreal, where Lionel Messi scored a brace to give his team a 3-1 lead.
After initially falling behind due to a significant error by Messi, the captain redeemed himself by scoring a fantastic goal from inside the box, maneuvering past several defenders from the Canadian side.
Inter Miami found themselves trailing just two minutes into the match following an unusual error by Messi. The Argentine attempted to pass the ball to the center back, but his pass was off target, gifting the ball to Prince Owusu, who made no mistake in front of Oscar Ustari’s goal and scored the opening goal of the match.
However, the Herons managed to recover from their captain’s mistake, thanks to their Argentine contingent. First, Tadeo Allende scored the equalizer for Inter Miami with a brilliant goal in the 33rd minute. Then, Messi turned the game around with seven minutes later another spectacular goal, true to his style.
But Messi’s performance didn’t stop there. In the second half, the Argentine extended his team’s lead to three goals with a stunning strike, reminiscent of his unbeatable days at Barcelona.
Inter Miami’s tight schedule
Inter Miami are back in MLS action after a strong showing in the Club World Cup, where they advanced to the knockout stage despite not being favorites. Now, Javier Mascherano’s team faces a tough string of fixtures, beginning with today’s match against CF Montreal.
The challenging schedule continues with a visit to New England on Wednesday, August 9, followed by a home game against Nashville on Saturday, August 12. They will then travel to Cincinnati on Wednesday, August 16, face New York Red Bulls away on Saturday, August 19, and host Cincinnati in a rematch on Saturday, August 26—all in MLS competition.
Although domestic league play will be briefly paused, it won’t be a break for the team as they will compete in the Leagues Cup. In the group stage, Inter Miami will face Atlas on July 30, Necaxa on August 2, and Pumas on August 6.