Lionel Messi Scores Twice In Miami’s 4-2 Win Past Montreal/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Lionel Messi delivered two goals and an assist to lead Inter Miami to a crucial 4-2 win over Montreal, snapping a four-match winless streak. Luis Suárez added two second-half goals as the Herons regained momentum ahead of their Club World Cup debut. Despite defensive lapses and key injuries, Miami’s attack finally clicked in front of their home crowd.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Inter Miami’s star power finally aligned as Lionel Messi scored twice and added an assist in a much-needed 4-2 victory over CF Montreal on Wednesday night. The win snapped a frustrating winless run and gave Miami a jolt of confidence ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup.
Messi’s influence was unmistakable. His 27th-minute opener came after a slick combination with Sergio Busquetswho screened the Montreal defense just enough to free the Argentine superstar for his seventh goal of the season.
Following Messi’s opener, Miami controlled much of the match with fluid passing and relentless movement. In the 68th minute, Messi danced through defenders to set up Luis Suárez for a clinical finish, giving the Herons a 2-1 edge.
Just three minutes later, Suárez struck again, this time finishing a rebound to complete his brace — a major confidence boost after entering the night with just two goals in the campaign.
The final blow came in the 87th minute when Suárez returned the favor, assisting Messi to seal the 4-2 victory.
Despite the offensive fireworks, Miami’s defense continued to show cracks. The Herons allowed late goals to Dante Sealy and Victor Loturiturning what should have been a rout into a nervier finish.
Those moments took the shine off what had been a dominant performance for most of the game and will be a point of emphasis heading into Saturday’s match against Columbus Crew.
The celebrations were dampened by injuries to three defenders, including veteran Jordi Albawho exited with a lower-body injury in the first half. Mascherano said the team is still evaluating the severity but admitted the timing is poor.
Gonzalo Luján and Toto Aviles also left the match with injuries, leaving Miami thin in defense ahead of a congested schedule.
Inter Miami’s performance came at a pivotal moment, as the team eyes a historic appearance in the FIFA Club World Cup on June 14where they will face Al Ahly of Egypt. Before then, they have one more MLS test at home against Columbus.
The return of Messi’s spark and Suárez’s scoring touch couldn’t have come at a better time. Now, the focus shifts to staying healthy and tightening up defensively before stepping onto the global stage.
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