Messi and Suarez lead Inter Miami to key victory over CF Montreal

Messi and Suarez power Inter Miami past CF Montreal

Inter Miami defeated CF Montreal 4-2 at Chase Stadium on Wednesday night, May 28, breaking a five-game stretch without a win. Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez led the scoring, each contributing two goals and one assist in a critical Major League Soccer (MLS) Eastern Conference matchup. The result marks Inter Miami’s first victory since May 3.

Messi opened the scoring in the 27th minute with a left-footed strike from outside the penalty area, assisted by Sergio Busquets. Suarez added goals in the 68th and 70th minutes, with Messi capping the win with his second goal in the 88th minute. Messi and Suarez also assisted one another’s goals, underscoring their combined impact.

Also read: Inter Miami vs. CF Montréal: match preview, kickoff time, and key stats for May 28 MLS game

With the win, Inter Miami improves its position ahead of next month’s FIFA Club World Cup. Prior to Wednesday’s match, the team had experienced five losses and three draws in its last 10 matches.

Inter Miami faces injury concerns ahead of Club World Cup

Despite the win, Inter Miami faces significant roster concerns. Three defenders, Jordi Alba, Gonzalo Luján, and Tomás “Toto” Avilés, left the match with lower-body injuries in the first half. Head coach Javier Mascherano confirmed Alba and Luján suffered hamstring injuries, while Avilés sustained an ankle injury.

The injuries raise questions about Inter Miami’s defensive depth, particularly with the FIFA Club World Cup opener against Egyptian side Al Ahly scheduled for June 14 at Hard Rock Stadium. Inter Miami’s next match, against the Columbus Crew on Saturday, May 31, will be the final fixture before that tournament begins.

Mascherano noted that while the offensive performance was promising, the defensive setbacks were a concern moving forward. The team will need to adapt quickly to maintain competitive form in both MLS and international competition.

Also read: ‘This chapter is over’- Cristiano Ronaldo hints at Al Nassr exit, is a Messi reunion in MLS next?

Messi reaches club milestone as Inter Miami eyes momentum

With two goals and one assist against CF Montreal, Messi reached 50 goal contributions in MLS regular season play, 29 goals and 21 assists, in just 37 appearances. The mark sets a new record for Inter Miami and reinforces Messi’s pivotal role in the club’s offensive strategy.

Messi has now scored 13 goals in 19 appearances across all competitions in the 2025 season. Suarez has tallied seven goals in 20 appearances. Both players were finalists for MLS MVP honors last season, with Messi winning the award.

Despite the offensive success, Inter Miami was unable to complete the shutout. CF Montreal scored twice in the second half, with goals from Dante Sealy in the 74th minute and Victor Loturi in stoppage time (90’+2’). Montreal entered the match in last place in the MLS Eastern Conference and remains near the bottom of the overall league standings.

Wednesday’s result was Inter Miami’s first win since a 4-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls. That match also marked the last time both Messi and Suarez scored in the same game.

Also read: Inter Miami vs Orlando City live streaming: Prediction, Start time, TV channel, how to watch MLS online

Inter Miami will look to continue this momentum against Columbus and carry positive form into their Club World Cup campaign.