Messi Stumbles in Shocking Off-Night as Inter Miami Falls to Montreal in MLS Comeback

Throughout Lionel Messi's illustrious career filled with extraordinary achievements, he has appeared almost superhuman while playing on the football field. However, this wasn't evident during the early stages of Saturday's MLS regular season encounter against CF Montréal.

In Inter Miami CF's initial league match following their elimination by Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16, the eight-time Ballon d'Or recipient experienced a moment he would prefer to erase from memory.

Shortly after the match commenced, the 38-year-old attempted to play the ball back to his central defender, Tomás Aviles, but a clumsy first touch combined with poor coordination with right-back Marcelo Weigandt resulted in the ball being played directly to CF Montréal forward Prince Owusu, who easily converted past keeper Oscar Ustari.

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This incident marked one of the rare errors Messi has committed since joining the South Florida franchise and Major League Soccer, putting the 2024 Supporters' Shield champions at a disadvantage against the Eastern Conference's 14th-ranked side.

Nevertheless, Messi has enjoyed an excellent campaign, netting 10 goals while providing eight assists in MLS competition and building a compelling argument for consecutive league MVP honors. He also delivered a memorable free-kick goal against FC Porto during the Club World Cup, helping Miami become the inaugural MLS club to defeat European opposition in official tournament play.

During his tenure with Miami, Messi has registered 50 goals and 24 assists across 63 appearances in all competitions, with 31 of those strikes coming in merely 39 MLS regular season contests.

Following Saturday's encounter with CF Montreal, Miami will focus on their upcoming fixture against the New England Revolution on July 9, before hosting Nashville SC on July 12.