Messi and Luis Suárez led the way, each scoring twice in the win at Chase Stadium
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The Heronssnapped a four-game winless streakThey now sit sixth in the Eastern Conference with one game in handNext up, Saturday clash against Columbus CrewGet the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?
Inter Miami rolled to 4–2 victory over CF Montréal, a crucial result that ended a four-game winless streak and put the Herons back on track. With the win, Inter Miami climbed to 26 points, moving closer to the top spots in the Eastern Conference while still holding a game in hand.
"The storm has passed, and the sun is out," coach Javier Mascherano said after Wednesday's game. "We needed to break that negative streak. I already had good feelings after the second half in Philadelphia – not just because we came from behind, but considering the level of the opponent, a team fighting for the top places in the conference. I'm pleased with the win. The team played the way we know how to again."
The Argentine coach also addressed the trio of first-half injuries that disrupted his lineup: Gonzalo Luján, Jordi Alba, and Tomás Ávila all left the match early.
"We'll have to assess Jordi’s situation. With Ávila, it was an ankle issue, and we decided to take him off. It was an unusual situation to have to make so many changes so early," he explained. "But it also shows the unity of this group and their determination to overcome adversity. This is the right path forward. These moments can make a team stronger in the long run."
AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Mascherano will sleep a little easier tonight after Inter Miami ended their winless run, thanks to two-goal performances from both Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez. The result was particularly meaningful for Suárez, who found the net again after a four-match scoring drought – two of which he missed due to personal matters.
The only downside to the night was the trio of injuries the team suffered in the first half, forcing Miami to monitor the status of all three players in the coming days to assess the severity of their setbacks.
Still, the victory helped lift a weight off Miami’s shoulders, as the team had only managed one win in their previous eight matches dating back to April.
Getty Images SportWHAT FEDERICO REDONDO SAID
"It wasn’t a perfect day because of that," Federico Redondo said of Miami's injuries during the game. "Hopefully, the test results tomorrow come back positive and everyone can rejoin us soon."
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR INTER MIAMI?
Mascherano’s side will need to prove it can stay among the Eastern Conference’s top contenders and build on its momentum when it hosts the Columbus Crew next Saturday. The Crew currently sit fourth in the East with 28 points.