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Lionel Messi produced a sensational display by scoring four goals as Inter Miami returned to winning ways with a commanding 7-1 victory over Montreal in Major League Soccer.
The result ended a difficult stretch for Miami, who had managed just one victory in their previous seven matches across all competitions since Messi returned from the World Cup earlier this month.
At 39, the Argentina captain showed why he remains one of the game's most influential players. Messi gave Miami a 2-1 lead before halftime when his free-kick took a deflection and found the back of the net.
He became even more dominant after the break, adding three more goals to complete one of his most impressive MLS performances.
Messi scored his second after embarking on a weaving run through the Montreal defense before finishing the move. He then completed his hat-trick with a delicate dink over the advancing goalkeeper.
The veteran forward saved another moment of brilliance for stoppage time, curling a trademark free-kick into the net to complete his four-goal haul.
Messi also contributed an assist, setting up Luis Suarez for Miami's third goal. Casemiro and Alexander Shaw also found the net as Inter Miami ran riot in the second half.
The four-goal performance was Messi's first in an MLS match and the ninth time in his career that he has scored at least four goals in a single game.
His latest goals also moved him to 18 in MLS this season, taking him beyond FC Dallas striker Petar Musa and making Messi the league's leading scorer.
Despite their recent struggles, the victory keeps defending MLS Cup champions Inter Miami second in the Eastern Conference. They remain 10 points behind Nashville FC.
Miami interim manager Guillermo Hoyos was left almost speechless when asked to describe Messi's performance.
"There are no words to describe such footballing beauty," Hoyos said, praising the Argentine's constant desire to create chances, score goals and find teammates.
"He is constantly looking for that goal, that play, that pass," Hoyos added. "I don't think he's an ordinary footballer."
Messi's outstanding performance comes during a period of personal reflection. Earlier this month, he admitted that he was uncertain about how much longer he would continue playing after the death of his father, Jorge.
For now, however, Messi continues to produce remarkable performances and remains at the heart of Miami's hopes for another successful MLS campaign.
