Miami, Aug 30 (V7N)- Lionel Messi scored four goals and provided an assist as Inter Miami produced a stunning 7-1 victory over CF Montréal in Major League Soccer (MLS), ending their five-match winless run.
Inter Miami took the lead in the 20th minute through Casemiro, who headed home from Telasco Segovia's corner. Montréal equalized in the 37th minute through Fabian Herbers.
Messi then restored Miami's lead in the 40th minute with a free-kick, giving his team a 2-1 advantage at halftime.
The Argentine superstar struck again in the 52nd minute after weaving through Montréal's defense. He completed his hat-trick in the 83rd minute with a chip over the advancing goalkeeper.
Messi then put the finishing touch on a remarkable night in the sixth minute of stoppage time, scoring another superb free-kick. He also assisted Luis Suárez for Miami's fourth goal in the 80th minute.
The four-goal haul was Messi's first in an MLS match. His league tally rose to 18 goals, moving him to the top of the MLS Golden Boot standings.
Alexander Shaw also scored for Inter Miami in the 89th minute as the hosts completed their biggest-ever victory and scored seven goals in a match for the first time in club history.
The victory lifted Inter Miami's record to 12 wins, four defeats and six draws, giving them 42 points. Montréal, meanwhile, remained on 21 points after suffering their first league defeat in five matches.
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