Inter Miami Suffers Shocking 3-1 Defeat to Montreal in Season Opener Despite Messi Masterclass

Inter Miami CF suffered a devastating 3-1 defeat to CF Montreal on Saturday afternoon at DRV PNK Stadium, as the Canadian side pulled off one of the biggest upsets in recent MLS memory to spoil the season opener for the star-studded Florida club. Despite a magnificent free-kick goal from Lionel Messi that appeared to set the tone for another magical campaign, Montreal rallied with three unanswered goals in the final 30 minutes to stun a sellout crowd and send shockwaves throughout Major League Soccer.

Messi opened the scoring in spectacular fashion in the 23rd minute, curling a perfect free-kick from 25 yards over the Montreal wall and into the top corner of the net. The Argentine maestro celebration was subdued, perhaps sensing that his team had not yet found their rhythm despite taking the early lead. The goal was vintage Messi, showcasing the technical brilliance that has made him the most decorated player in soccer history and justifying the enormous investment Miami made to bring him to MLS.

Montreal, under new head coach Laurent Courtois, showed remarkable resilience and tactical discipline throughout the match. The visitors equalized in the 62nd minute through striker Mason Toye, who finished clinically after a well-worked team move that exposed gaps in Miamis defensive structure. The goal energized the small contingent of Montreal supporters and seemed to deflate the home crowd, which had been expecting a comfortable victory from their star-laden squad.

The turning point came in the 76th minute when Montreal midfielder Samuel Piette scored what would prove to be the winning goal, capitalizing on a defensive miscommunication between Miami center-backs Tomas Aviles and Noah Allen. The Canadian international celebration was jubilant, recognizing the significance of taking the lead against one of MLSs most expensive rosters. Montreal sealed the victory with a counter-attacking goal from substitute Kwadwo Opoku in the 89th minute, completing a comeback that few predicted.

For Inter Miami, the defeat represents a concerning start to what was expected to be their most successful season yet. Coach Gerardo Martino expressed frustration with his teams defensive organization and lack of intensity, noting that individual brilliance from Messi cannot compensate for collective deficiencies. The loss also raises questions about the teams depth and whether they have adequately addressed the defensive vulnerabilities that plagued them in previous campaigns.

The result sends ripples throughout MLS, proving once again that parity remains a defining characteristic of the league despite the influx of international stars. Montreal return home with maximum points and enormous confidence, while Miami must quickly regroup before next weeks match against Atlanta United. For Messi and his teammates, the defeat serves as an early reminder that success in MLS requires more than individual talent – it demands consistent team performance and respect for every opponent in this increasingly competitive league.