Inter Miami's Lionel Messi pulls ahead in MLS Golden Boot race with 4 goals vs. Montréal

Lionel Messi is unstoppable. The Inter Miami star one again had a night to remember on Saturday, scoring four goals as the Herons thrashed CF Montréal 7-1. With the haul, Messi hit 18 goals on the season, a number that pulls him to a lead in the MLS Golden Boot race. The Inter Miami captain tied and then passed FC Dallas forward Petar Musa for the sole spot at the top of the scoring standings. Two of Messi’s goals came off free kicks, one of the veteran forward’s specialties. Messi pulled Miami back into the lead in the 40th minute with a curving shot that was mishandled by the Montéal defense. Messi goes direct and pays off! 💥 @InterMiamiCF regain the lead over Montréal. pic.twitter.com/aJH1USLcox — Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 30, 2026 Early in the second half, Messi found the back of the net again, staying upright through traffic before sending in a powerful shot. Dancing through the defense 🤯 Messi scores his second of the game and is now tied for most goals this season with 16 😳 📺 Watch on Apple TV: https://t.co/MFnT751CHE pic.twitter.com/QRJpqJL1pC — Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 30, 2026 In the 83rd minute, Messi timed a chip past Montréal goalkeeper Thomas Gillier, who surged to meet the captain but didn’t get there in time. More Messi magic for the HAT TRICK 🤯 @InterMiamiCF are up 5-1 over Montréal! pic.twitter.com/bGdFvq0nDu — Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 30, 2026 And then Messi capped it all off in stoppage time with another free kick that cleared the wall and buried itself into the right side of the net. TWO FREE KICK GOALS IN ONE GAME 🤯 Messi scores his FOURTH of the night as @InterMiamiCF seal it, 7-1 😤 pic.twitter.com/x2I0Qc4iBK — Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 30, 2026 This story will be updated.