Inter Miami had been enduring a dismal streak heading into their match against Montreal, losing against Minnesota United and Orlando City and drawing twice with the San Jose Earthquakes and Philadelphia Union. But Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez rose to the occasion to end the team's four-game winless run and lift them to sixth on the table.

The South American duo bagged a brace to steer the Florida side back to victory at the DRV PNK Stadium, with Messi finding the target first in the 27th minute. Sergio Busquets initiated the attack after winning the ball high up the pitch. The Spaniard laid off for his former Barcelona teammate, who slotted a trademark low curler from outside the box to send his side ahead at the break.

The second half was nothing short of goals, with three coming within six minutes. Messi turned provider for Miami's second, lobbing from the byline to serve Suarez, who had space and time to calmly direct from ten yards in the 68th minute. Suarez made it 3-0 less than three minutes later to grab his brace, but Dante Sealy pulled one back for Montreal in the 74th minute.

Messi made sure to restore Miami's three-goal cushion. A brilliant link-up between Messi and Suarez sent the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner through on goal to chip the ball over the head of Montreal goalkeeper Sirois. With the game put to bed by the pair, Victor Loturi's stoppage-time goal was not enough to save the Canadians from defeat.

Dante Sealy

Achievements