Watching Lionel Messi against CF Montréal felt like a journey through every shade of performance. He finished the match with 2 goals and 1 assist in a 4-1 win, but the raw numbers reveal much more. This was a performance filled with risk, recovery, and reward. It started with a mistake and ended in pure footballing poetry.
A Costly Mistake in the Opening Minutes
Just two minutes into the game, Messi gave away possession in a dangerous area with a misplaced pass near Miami’s defensive third. Montréal punished the error immediately, scoring off the back of it. That moment goes down officially as an error leading to goal. It was a rare lapse in judgment, and it put Inter Miami under pressure from the start. For most players, this kind of mistake could set the tone for a poor match. For Messi, it became fuel.
Two Goals, One Redemption Arc
Messi’s response was emphatic. He ended the game with 2 goals from 1.21 expected goals (xG), showing that he not only met expectations but exceeded them. His first goal leveled the score, a composed finish in the box. But it was the second goal that stole the spotlight. Starting from near the halfway line, Messi took on the entire Montréal midfield and defense. He weaved through seven players before calmly placing the ball past the keeper. It was a solo effort that reminded everyone just how much magic he still has in his boots.
The Playmaker Returns
Messi was also heavily involved in chance creation. He recorded 1 assist, which carried an expected assist (xA) value of 0.56. I must say the scorer did most of the work in this one, though. Anyway, Messi’s assist was part of a broader creative output that included 5 key passes and 3 big chances created, both the highest of any player on the pitch.
His overall passing numbers tell a story of ambition. He completed 39 of 50 passes, for a 78 percent accuracy rate. While not elite by his usual standards, the volume and intent behind his passes mattered more. He attempted 2 crosses (none successful) and 1 long ball, which did connect.
Dominant in the Dribble
Perhaps the most eye-catching aspect of Messi’s performance, aside from the goals, was his dribbling. He attempted 7 dribbles and completed 6 of them, giving him an 86% success rate. That figure reflects more than just flair. It speaks to how he consistently broke lines, retained possession, and shifted momentum into Miami’s favor.
The second goal alone involved several of those successful dribbles in one breathtaking run. But even outside of that, Messi was constantly drawing defenders out of position and opening lanes for his teammates.
Physical Engagement and Duels
Messi is not known for his defensive work rate, and that remained true here. He made no tackles, interceptions, or clearances. However, in terms of physical engagement, he won 8 of 11 ground duels, showing he was more than willing to scrap for the ball when necessary.
He also suffered 2 fouls, committed 1 foul, and was caught offside once. These small stats point to a player who stayed active, even when not on the ball. But it’s worth noting that he lost possession 17 times, which is high. Then again, players who constantly take risks in tight areas will always record elevated turnover numbers.
Final Thoughts
This was a messy start that turned into a Messi masterclass. The early giveaway was a blemish, no doubt about it. But what followed was a comprehensive display of what makes him unique. He scored, assisted, created, dribbled, and controlled the tempo for large stretches of the game.
There are still clear gaps in his defensive contribution, and his passing wasn’t spotless. But the stats do not lie. With 2 goals, 1 assist, 5 key passes, 3 big chances created, and 6 successful dribbles, Messi was the difference-maker in every attacking phase.
At 38, he remains the heartbeat of Inter Miami. And if he keeps delivering performances like this, even with the occasional mistake, there won’t be much debate about who still runs the show in MLS.