Messi, 38, was back in MLS action after Inter Miami reached the last 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup but were knocked out by reigning European champions PSG. Javier Mascherano's side have had a rollercoaster start to their 2025 MLS season but a comfortable win away at Montreal underlines their aim to kick on and get back on top of the standings in the Eastern Conference as they have plenty of games in-hand over their rivals.

Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi, center, attacks the net while defended by CF Montreal’s Luca Petrasso (13) and Caden Clark, right, during first-half MLS soccer match action in Montreal, Saturday, July 5, 2025. (Christopher Katsarov/The Canadian Press via AP)

The game started off poorly for Miami. In the second minute, Messi sent a back pass directly into the path of Montreal forward Prince Owusu, who scored an easy goal on a left-footed shot from the center of the box to give the home team a 1-0 lead.