Lionel Messi Four Goals Routs CF Montreal

     Lionel Messi had his best scoring Major League Soccer game with four goals as Inter Miami CF decimated CF Montreal 7-1 at Nu Stadium on Saturday night. The Herons, who continued their three-game homestand, are second in the Eastern Conference standings. 

     In the first half, Inter Miami CF(12-4-6) scored in the 20th minute for a 1-0 lead. Telasco Segovia took a corner kick from the left side and Carlos Casemiro put in a header from six yards. It was the first Major League Soccer goal for Casemiro. 

     CF Montreal(5-11-6) made it 1-1 in the 37th minute. Fabian Herbers drilled in a 21-yard shot with his right foot. 

     The Herons answered back in the 40th minute and reclaimed the lead 2-1. Lionel Messi booted a left-footed shot on a direct kick from 22 yards away. 

     It became 3-1 for Inter Miami CF early in the second half during the 52nd minute. Messi compiled his second goal of the contest. He dribbled through the defense in the middle of the penalty area and placed in a six-yard shot with his right foot into the low left corner of the cage. Messi now leads Major League Soccer in goals this season. 

     The Herons extended their lead to 4-1 over CF Montreal in the 80th minute. Luis Suarez was able to make it a three-goal margin. 

     Messi picked up the hat trick with his third goal of the game in the 83rd minute. He chipped in a shot from 14 yards out with his left foot. 

     Alexander Shaw added on to the lead 6-1 in the 89th minute of play. He blasted a 27-yard shot with his right foot. 

     Inter Miami CF increased it to 7-1 during stoppage time at the end of the second half as Messi collected his fourth goal of the contest. He fired a left-footed, 21-yard direct kick into the right side of the net.