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.

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)

Lionel Messi continues to enchant in MLS with performances that go far beyond mere talent. In the match against Montreal, the Argentine champion scored his third consecutive brace in MLS,