Lionel Messi Scores Four as Inter Miami Thrash Montreal 7-1

Lionel Messi produced a brilliant performance as Inter Miami ended their poor run with a huge 7-1 win over Montreal in Major League Soccer.

Miami had won only once in their previous seven matches in all competitions since Messi returned from the World Cup earlier this month. But the Argentina captain inspired a big comeback to winning ways.

Messi put Miami 2-1 ahead before half-time with a deflected free-kick before taking over the game after the break.

The 39-year-old scored his second after a brilliant run, completed his hat-trick with a clever chip over the goalkeeper and added his fourth goal in added time with another trademark free-kick.

Messi also provided an assist for Luis Suarez, while Casemiro and Alexander Shaw completed Miami’s seven goals.

It was Messi’s first four-goal game in MLS and the ninth time in his career that he has scored four or more goals in a single match.

The result also took his MLS tally to 18 goals this season, moving him ahead of FC Dallas’ Petar Musa as the league’s top scorer.

Inter Miami remain second in the Eastern Conference, 10 points behind Nashville FC.

Inter Miami interim coach Guillermo Hoyos was left struggling to find words to describe Messi’s display.

“There are no words to describe such footballing beauty,” Hoyos said.

“He is constantly looking for that goal, that play, that pass. I don’t think he’s an ordinary footballer.”

Earlier this month, Messi admitted he was unsure how much longer he would continue playing football following the death of his father, Jorge.