Messi Scores Four as Inter Miami Rout CF Montreal 7-1

Lionel Messi scored four goals in a Major League Soccer match for the first time in his career as Inter Miami overwhelmed CF Montreal 7-1 on Saturday. The Argentine also supplied an assist in a performance that helped Miami end a five-game winless run across all competitions, according to reporting by The Guardian and news agencies.

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Messi restored Miami's lead shortly before half-time and added his second goal in the 52nd minute. He completed his hat-trick in the 83rd minute, then scored from a free kick in second-half stoppage time to finish the rout. The four-goal display lifted the 39-year-old to the top of the MLS scoring chart with 18 goals this season.

Inter Miami interim coach Guillermo Hoyos described the display as an example of Messi's exceptional quality and highlighted his continued search for goals, passes and decisive plays. Miami midfielder Casemiro also emphasized the importance of appreciating and supporting Messi while competing alongside him. The Brazilian joined Miami in July after his Manchester United contract expired.

Elsewhere in Saturday's MLS schedule, Dejan Joveljic scored twice on his Seattle Sounders debut in a 2-2 home draw against the Chicago Fire. Joveljic, acquired from Sporting Kansas City earlier in the week, opened the scoring in the 12th minute and struck again in the 48th. Maren Haile-Selassie and Robert Lewandowski each recorded a goal and an assist for Chicago, which extended its league unbeaten run to five matches.

Philadelphia Union extended their unbeaten streak to seven matches with a 3-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls. Cavan Sullivan scored in the 50th minute, becoming the first 16-year-old in MLS history to record a goal contribution in four consecutive matches. Milan Iloski and Neil Pierre also scored for Philadelphia, while Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting supplied New York's goal.

Minnesota United and Orlando City drew 3-3 after a dramatic second half. Orlando led 2-0 through Daryl Dike and Antoine Griezmann before Minnesota scored three times in four minutes, with goals from Marcus Caldeira, Anthony Markanich and Kelvin Yeboah. Tyrese Spicer equalized three minutes into stoppage time from assists by Griezmann and Ivan Angulo, earning Orlando a point.