Like two football giants would, Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez delivered. Both scored once as Inter Miami defeated CF Montréal 4–2 in the club's second-last game before their likely appearance in the Club World Cup. The victory snapped a four-game losing streak and brought the Herons 26 points, which tied them with sixth place in the Eastern Conference.
Early struggles and the influence of Messi
The game was edgy in the opening half. Both a half-time and a pair of first-half substitutes were brought in by Inter Miami, which might have shattered whatever game plan existed there. The team lacked defensive firmness and midfield continuity. It was a difficult scenario for a team which needed to demonstrate strength before the international tournament. But in the 26th minute, things changed. Or rather, Messi changed things.
The action was initiated in the middle of the pitch with a good ball recovery and a rapid switch. Busquets played Messi to the right flank, still from the wide position. Messi collected the ball in his characteristic composed manner, turned to his left, struck the ball with his left foot to the bottom, far corner of the net. The ball struck the post and in. Great goal. It was his seventh regular season goal in the MLS and the opening goal of the game.
Ustari saves and deflects pressure of Montréal
It was the goalkeeper Ustari who was the game-changer in the 68th minute. In the course of one of CF Montréal's few attacking excursions, two sequential shots forced the Argentine to demonstrate his reaction and positioning. He saved the equalizer, maintained the gap, and paved the way for more to follow.
Following that, Inter Miami slowed their pace and with Messi in full flow, the pitch seemed to shrink for their visitors.
Montréal scores, and Suárez and Messi react immediately
Inter Miami's second goal came in the 70th minute. Messi, being pushed on the right flank, beat his marker with finesse and teed up an exact pass to Suárez. The latter took the pass well and smashed one in with his right foot. It was his third regular season goal as well as Messi's third assist. The pair were in synch as in their Barcelona days.
Three more minutes, another game, another error from the defense of Montréal, and another penalty. The defensive line were not able to clear the ball, and Suárez took advantage to score once more, this time finishing first-time from inside the box.
He reached 32 goals in club competitions for Inter Miami, tied with Leonardo Campana second on the club's goal-scorers list. CF Montréal did trim the deficit, though. Victor Loturi scored in the 74th minute, as did Dante Sealy for the visitors. That was where things stalled, though. Messi took over once more and finished the job by winning the game for the Herons.