Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez turned back the clock with two goals each as Inter Miami secured a commanding 4-2 win over CF Montreal on Wednesday night in Major League Soccer action.
Messi, the Argentine icon, opened the scoring in the 27th minute and later assisted his longtime friend Suarez in the 68th minute to put Miami up 2-0, Idman.biz reports.
Suarez struck again just three minutes later, showcasing the clinical partnership that has thrilled fans around the world.
Montreal briefly narrowed the deficit through Dante Sealy in the 74th minute, but Messi responded in style, netting his second of the night in the 87th. Victor Loturi added a consolation goal for the visitors deep into stoppage time, but the damage was done.
The win lifted Miami to sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings, improving to 7-3-5 from 15 matches. Montreal, meanwhile, remained at the bottom of the table with a dismal 1-10-5 record.
After going winless in their last four games (two losses and two draws), Miami was in need of a result.
“We had to take responsibility for the poor results,” said Suarez post-match. “It’s about correcting mistakes and regaining confidence. This win means a lot. We have to keep building on it.”
Despite the victory, Inter coach Javier Mascherano was visibly concerned about injuries to key defenders Gonzalo Lujan, Tomas Aviles, and veteran Jordi Alba.
“We needed to cut the negative dynamic. I’m happy,” Mascherano admitted. “Unfortunately, this win is overshadowed by injuries. Gonzalo and Jordi have muscular issues—we’ll evaluate them tomorrow. ‘Toto’ [Aviles] took a knock to the ankle but wanted to continue.”
Elsewhere in MLS, league-leaders Philadelphia Union pulled off a late comeback to edge Toronto FC 2-1. Norway’s Ola Brynhildsen gave Toronto the lead in the 75th minute, but Nathan Harriel equalized in the 86th before Germany’s Kai Wagner sealed the win with a stoppage-time strike.
The Union now lead the league with 33 points (10-3-3), while closest challengers failed to keep pace—Cincinnati were held to a 3-3 home draw by Dallas, and Nashville drew 2-2 with Columbus.
Idman.biz
