It took 16 matchdays, but Lionel Messi has finally picked up his first MLS Player of the Matchday honor for the 2025 season — and he did it in vintage Messi fashion. The same honor was won by Messi 6 times last season.
The Argentine maestro lit up the night in Montreal, reminding everyone that even at 37, he’s still pulling the strings like a true No.10.
In a high-scoring 4-2 win for Inter Miami over CF Montréal, Messi delivered a performance that had fans on their feet and defenders on their heels.
He opened the scoring with a stunning strike from outside the box, added a clever assist, and later chipped in a late goal that had more finesse than a panenka in a cup final.
This match wasn’t just about stats — it was about impact. Miami came into the game with four matches without a win.
They left with three points and a serious morale boost, thanks to their captain who, once again, turned pressure into poetry.
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Messi and Suárez: The old firm strikes again
Messi’s link-up with Luis Suárez is proving deadly once more. The duo combined for three goals on the night, with Messi assisting Suárez and later receiving the favor with a smart return pass before his classy finish in the 87th minute.
Messi now has eight goals and three assists this season. He also became the first player in Inter Miami’s short history to hit 50 goal contributions in regular-season play — and he did it in just 37 games. That’s not just GOAT behavior — that’s MLS history in the making.
“It is always special to score and help the team win,” Messi said after the match. “But most important is the victory.”
Inter Miami now sit sixth in the Eastern Conference and host Columbus Crew on May 31. With Messi back in full rhythm and Suárez joining the party, the Herons are flying high again.
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