MLS roundup: Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez bag braces in Inter Miami win over CF Montreal
Inter Miami 4-2 CF Montréal: Messi and Suárez Masterclass Lifts Miami to Crucial MLS Win
In a thrilling night of Major League Soccer (MLS) action, Inter Miami returned to winning ways with a resounding 4-2 home victory over CF Montréal, powered by stunning performances from Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, who each bagged a brace. The result marks a significant moment in Miami’s campaign, as they aim to climb higher in the Eastern Conference table following a turbulent run of form.
4️⃣ goals = 3️⃣ points. Vamos Miami 💗🖤 pic.twitter.com/si8oVDy8rm
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) May 29, 2025
First-Half Brilliance: Messi Opens the Scoring
The match kicked off with a high-tempo approach from both sides, but it was Inter Miami who took the initiative in the 27th minute when Lionel Messi demonstrated his trademark magic. Receiving the ball just outside the box, the Argentine maestro unleashed a precision left-footed strike that curled into the bottom corner, leaving Montréal’s goalkeeper rooted.
This was Messi’s seventh goal of the 2025 MLS season, further establishing his crucial role in Inter Miami’s attacking setup. Despite the goal, Miami had to navigate early challenges, particularly with injury setbacks that struck their defense.
GOLAZO DEL MEJOR DE TODOS 🐐✨ MESSI pic.twitter.com/zWYZA5y2cU
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) May 29, 2025
Injury Concerns for Inter Miami
Shortly after the opening goal, Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano was forced into three first-half substitutions due to injuries:
- Gonzalo Luján and Jordi Alba both left the field with what appeared to be muscular problems.
- Tomás “Toto” Avilés suffered an ankle injury after a harsh tackle and was replaced despite his desire to continue.
Mascherano later confirmed that all three players would undergo further tests to determine the severity, admitting the injuries dampened the otherwise upbeat performance.
“I’m happy with the win, but we are concerned about the injuries. Tomorrow we will see how serious they are,” said Mascherano in his post-match conference.
Second-Half Onslaught: Suárez Strikes Twice, Messi Seals It
Inter Miami came out flying in the second half, clearly motivated to put the game beyond doubt. Their intensity was rewarded in the 68th minute when Messi turned provider, threading a perfectly timed through ball to Luis Suárez, who calmly slotted the ball past the keeper to make it 2-0.
Just three minutes later, Suárez struck again—this time capitalizing on a defensive error from Montréal. The Uruguayan pounced on a loose ball inside the penalty area and smashed home his second of the night, giving Miami a 3-0 cushion.
“We had to take responsibility for our recent results,” Suárez said. “This win gives us confidence. We need to keep pushing like this.”
But the drama wasn’t over.
Messi ➡️ Suárez = ⚽✨ pic.twitter.com/a7Cr7YKWzD
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) May 29, 2025
Montréal Fights Back… Briefly
CF Montréal showed signs of life in the 74th minute when Dante Sealy curled in a spectacular effort from just outside the box, cutting the deficit to 3-1. The visitors, though trailing, tried to build on their momentum but found it hard to penetrate a now-resolute Miami backline.
Then came the killer blow.
Oscar Ustari double saves keeps Montreal off the board. 🧤
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) May 29, 2025
📺 #MLSSeasonPass: https://t.co/tfKA0rfQer pic.twitter.com/5ZHvEEdaSj
Messi’s Magical Finish
In the 87th minute, Lionel Messi added another moment of brilliance to his MLS highlight reel. After receiving a pass at the edge of the area, he chipped the goalkeeper with extraordinary finesse, completing his brace and reestablishing a three-goal lead for the home side.
Even though Victor Loturi scored a consolation goal for Montréal deep into stoppage time (90+2’), the match had long been decided.
Suarez ➡️ Messi ⚽⚽✨😮💨 pic.twitter.com/gwfZktYwl0
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) May 29, 2025
Match Summary: Key Stats
Category | Inter Miami | CF Montréal |
Goals | 4 | 2 |
Possession | 55% | 45% |
Total Shots | 15 | 10 |
Shots on Target | 8 | 4 |
Corners | 6 | 3 |
Fouls Committed | 12 | 11 |
Player of the Match: Lionel Messi
It’s hard to look past Lionel Messi for the Player of the Match honors. With two goals and one assist, he not only controlled the tempo of the game but also inspired confidence in a side that had struggled for form in recent weeks.
His movement off the ball, decision-making, and clinical finishing reminded fans and critics alike why he is still considered one of the best in the world, even at this stage of his career.
No words 🏆😮💨 #IconOfTheMatch pic.twitter.com/Vpy0myOVgt
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) May 29, 2025
Tactical Insights: Mascherano’s Adjustments
Despite the injury blows, Javier Mascherano’s tactical flexibility was on full display:
- He switched formations mid-game to adapt to defensive absences.
- The midfield duo of Sergio Busquets and Benjamin Cremaschi played a key role in controlling possession.
- Substitutes such as Noah Allen and DeAndre Yedlin provided needed stability at the back.
Mascherano’s ability to react swiftly and efficiently was vital in maintaining control throughout the match.
What the Win Means for Inter Miami
This crucial three-point haul takes Inter Miami to sixth place in the Eastern Conference, with 26 points from 15 matches (7 wins, 5 draws, 3 losses). More importantly, it ends a four-match winless streak that included two draws and two losses.
Current Eastern Conference Top 6 (as of now):
- Philadelphia Union – 33 pts
- FC Cincinnati – 31 pts
- Nashville SC – 30 pts
- Columbus Crew – 28 pts
- Orlando City – 27 pts
- Inter Miami – 26 pts
Challenges Ahead: FIFA Club World Cup and Beyond
With this win under their belt, Inter Miami now shifts its focus to a busy upcoming schedule, including domestic league games and preparations for the FIFA Club World Cup, where they are set to represent MLS and CONCACAF as one of the host nation’s clubs.
Injuries to key players like Jordi Alba could pose a problem, and squad rotation will be critical. Mascherano will need to find the right balance between chasing MLS points and competing on the international stage.
Around the League: Key Results
Elsewhere in MLS, several high-profile games played out on the same night:
- Philadelphia Union 2-1 Toronto FC:
Ola Brynhildsen scored for Toronto in the 75th minute, but Philadelphia responded with late goals from Nathan Harriel and Kai Wagner to secure all three points. The Union now top the table with 33 points. - FC Cincinnati 3-3 FC Dallas:
In a goal-filled encounter, both teams settled for a draw that did neither side full favors in their respective standings. - Columbus Crew 2-2 Nashville SC:
A thrilling contest saw the teams share the spoils, allowing Miami to narrow the gap on their direct competitors.
Midweek madness in MLS. 🤯
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) May 29, 2025
🎟️: https://t.co/yMNDcJ4hbm pic.twitter.com/HMA5pvTUNB
