Messi scores twice as Miami defeats Montreal 4-1

Lionel Messi scored twice and assisted once to lead Inter Miami to a 4-1 win over CF Montreal, marking a strong return to MLS action after the Club World Cup

Montreal: Lionel Messi scored a pair of spectacular goals, including the tie-breaker late in the first half, as Inter Miami defeated CF Montreal 4-1.

Luis Suárez directed a long ball from Tomás Avilés to Messi with a header. Messi had time to gather the ball, dribble into the box, and finish with his left foot to the far post to make it 2-1 in the 40th minute on Saturday.

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It was the first MLS game in over a month for Miami while competing in the Club World Cup. PSG eliminated Miami 4-0 last week.

Prince Owusu gave Montreal (3-13-5) a quick lead two minutes into the game.

Tadeo Allende, assisted by Messi, scored in the 33rd minute to tie the game for Miami (9-3-5), which has won three straight, including a 3-2 win over Montreal at home on May 28.

Telasco Segovia scored in the 60th minute, and Messi connected again two minutes later, weaving through a pack of Montreal defenders. Messi has 12 goals in 14 MLS games this season.

Óscar Ustari made seven saves for Miami after a Messi giveaway gave Owusu an easy goal.

Miami (8-3-5) has won back-to-back games—including that 3-2 victory over Montreal in May—and is unbeaten in three straight.