Lionel Messi scored four goals as Inter Miami ended their five-game winless run with a commanding 7-1 victory over struggling Montreal in Major League Soccer on Saturday.

The emphatic victory provided a much-needed response for the reigning MLS Cup champions, who had endured a difficult spell since the resumption of league action following the World Cup finals.

Miami had lost four of their previous five matches before Saturday’s encounter in Florida, leaving them desperate for a positive result.

They got exactly that against Montreal, who are struggling near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings.

Casemiro opens scoring for Miami

Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, who joined Inter Miami following the World Cup, opened his account for the club when he headed home in the 20th minute.

The goal gave Miami an early advantage, but Montreal refused to surrender and found an equaliser before the interval.

Fabian Herbers restored parity for the visitors in the 37th minute when his low effort from the edge of the penalty area found the bottom corner.

Messi restores Miami lead

Miami quickly regained control of the match, with Messi putting the hosts back in front three minutes before half-time.

The Argentine superstar’s low, curling free-kick appeared to deceive Montreal goalkeeper Thomas Gillier as it found its way into the net in the 40th minute.

Messi then doubled his personal tally shortly after the restart.

The 39-year-old weaved his way through a cluster of Montreal defenders before calmly drilling the ball into the bottom corner to make it 3-1.

The four-time goalscorer was also involved in Miami’s fourth goal, producing an excellent pass for former Barcelona team-mate Luis Suarez.

Suarez raced through on goal before calmly finishing the opportunity to extend Miami’s advantage.

Messi completes four-goal haul

Messi completed his hat-trick in the 83rd minute after receiving a pass from Rodrigo De Paul.

The veteran forward showed his composure once again, delicately lifting the ball over the advancing Gillier to make it 5-1.

Teenage substitute Alex Shaw added another goal for Miami six minutes later, firing a low effort from outside the penalty area into the net.

There was still time for Messi to add another goal to his remarkable performance.

The Argentine completed his four-goal haul in stoppage time with another trademark free-kick from the edge of the area, putting the finishing touch on a 7-1 demolition of Montreal.

Miami climb to second

The victory moved Inter Miami into second place in the Eastern Conference, seven points behind leaders Nashville, who had a game later on Saturday.

The result also ended Miami’s frustrating five-match winless streak and restored confidence around the reigning MLS Cup champions.

For Messi, the four-goal performance further underlined his continued influence on the team, while the emphatic nature of the victory could prove significant as Miami look to challenge for another major MLS title.