Inter Miami - CF Montreal summary: goals, stats and highlights | MLS
Inter Miami - CF Montreal: As it happened
Inter Miami fell to their first defeat of the season in an action-packed clash against CF Montreal on Sunday.
The Herons were without Lionel Messi, who was rested for the game, while Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez began on the bench. In their absence Miami struggled to take control of the game and it was the visitors who opened the scoring, Fernando Alvarez nodding home from a corner kick in the 12th minute.
Miami grew into the game but failed to level the scores and it looked as if the match was sliding to a sleepy one-goal victory for Montreal, before it sprang into life in the final 20 minutes.
First Matias Coccaro, who was a threat throughout, doubled the Montreal lead on the 70th minute. Miami hit back just minutes later through a Leonardo Campana header, before Sunusi Ibrahim restored the two-goal advantage shortly after.
On the 79th minute, with his side 3-1 down, Jordi Alba fired Inter Miami back into the game with a beautifully placed volley from the edge of the box. Inter Miami had plenty of time to search for a leveller but some dogged defending from Montreal frustrated those efforts and the hosts managed to see out a very impressive road victory.
Watch: Sunusi Ibrahim goal gives Montreal the win
It was an action-packed game with five goals in total. Montreal were made to work for their victory in the second half but this goal from substitute Sunusi Ibrahim proved decisive for the visitors.
It came from an incisive run from former Inter Miami star Josef Martinez, who coolly rolled the ball to Ibrahim to finsh.
Peeep peeeep peeeeeep
They can! Montreal add to their impressive start on the road with a victory over Inter Miami at Chase Stadium.
They were made to hang on at the end but they did that admirably.
As the clock ticks over to one hundred minutes Montreal are nearing victory now. The visitors have the goal kick, can they see this out?
Long ball forward to Campana, punched clear by Sirois.
Inter Miami come forward again and Busquets goes down in the box! Referee waves away the appeals, on we go...
As we enter the final minute of the indicated nine, Inter Miami come forward with Ruiz on the right. Edwards does well to muscle him out near the byline and Montreal win the goal kick.
More good work from the substitute.
Inter Miami's passing has become very sloppy in added time, with even Jordi Alba and Busquets guilty of losing the ball. The Herons need their experience now.
Shanyder Borgelin is penalised for a foul on Edwards on the halfway line. Montreal win the free kick and the opportunity to waste a bit more time.
Noah Allen
The Inter Miami youngster receives a booking for that tackle.
Jordi Alba's cross is good but Montreal break well with Ruan on the right. Noah Allen shows good pace to get back with him and hauls Ruan down, a cynical foul.
Free kick to Inter Miami on the right flank. Jordi Alba to take it, a good chance to deliver into the box.
We'll have nine minutes of added time at the end of the second half.
Nine!
Brilliant ball in from Ruiz on the right. Campana wins the first header and knocks it down to Shanyder Borgelin. The youngster's first effort is blocked but the rebound falls at his feet. His second effort is ballooned over the crossbar.
Massive chance for Inter Miami!
Montreal make a rare foray forwards and work the ball to Ibrahim on the right. He takes aim but his shot flies over the crossbar.
Inter Miami are really pushing for the leveller now, with Jordi Alba at the centre of everything good from the Herons.
Luis Suarez picks up the ball on the left and clips the ball towards goal, hitting the crossbar and going over.
The referee awards a goal kick which infuriates Suarez, who things it took a deflection. On second viewing, it appears he was correct.
Jordi Alba gets some space on the left and curls in a sensational cross towards Campana. The striker meets the ball at the front post but he can't make a meaningful connection.
Difficult to discern the formation being played by Inter Miami now. Suarez and Campana seem to be playing as a duo up front, Alba and Borgelin has free roam on the flanks.
Final change for Tata Martino, Shanyder Borgelin comes on for Robert Taylor.
Another offensive option for Miami!
There's a real buzz in the stadium now as the Herons surge forward, looking to prevent a first loss of 2024.
Taylor does well on the right to make space for a cross but it's cleared by Waterman.
We've had four goals in ten minutes at Chase stadium, two goals apiece for Inter Miami and Montreal. It's been a breathless spell of play and Inter Miami are pushing forward for a leveller now!
Can they do it?
Gooooaaaaal! Jordi Alba
Inter Miami are straight back at Montreal and it's a stunner from Jordi Alba. The ball bounces up for the Spaniard on the edge of the box and he curls a perfect vollet into the top corner.
Brilliant from Jordi Alba!
Gooooaaaaal! Sunusi Ibrahim
Montreal break and they have another!
It took one pass to play Josef Martinez through on goal. He holds the ball up and plays the ball back to Ibrahim, who slots the ball coolly past Callender.
And there's a change for the hosts as Luis Suarez enters the fray. He replaces Lawson Sunderland.
And the scorer is off, Matias Coccaro is replaced by Sunusi Ibrahim.
Gooooaaaaal! Matias Coccaro
Montreal do deliver with quality and Coccaro gets to the ball before Callender, nodding the ball past the Miami goalkeeper.
The visitors lead again. Inter Miami concede from a set piece again!
Back on the field, Montreal win a free kick on the left, around ten yards outside the box. This is a good chance for the visitors to delivery with quality.
Huge cheers from the home support as Luis Suarez is called over by Tata Martino. It looks like he will be entering very soon.
There's a mood of optimism around Chase Stadium now as Inter Miami pour forward in front of a second. Miami have looked dangerous throughout down the wings and finally find Campana with a good cross.
Gooooaaaaal! Leonardo Campana
Almost out of nowhere Inter Miami are level!
It's Leo Campana with the goal, finishing emphatically with a back post header. Brilliant cross from Lawson Sunderland!
Check over, Inter Miami are told to get on with the corner kick. No penalty for the Herons.
Huge shouts for a Miami penalty as David Ruiz goes to ground as he surges into the Montreal area.
It looked like he might have been clipped but was it inside the box? It's being checked by VAR!
For Montreal Victor Wanyama and Dominic Yankov come on, replacing Vilsaint and Piette.
Sergio Busquets is straight into the action, looking to dictate the play.
Triple change for Inter Miami as Sergio Busquets, Nicolas Freire and Diego Gomez come on. Redondo, Gressel and Aviles are replaced.
And it's Leo Camapana who takes but the free kick is a poor one, straight into the wall.
That was a real waste for the Herons.
It looks like Jordi Alba and Federico Redondo both want the free kick, but Leo Campana is standing over it with real purpose.
There's a few Inter Miami substitutions incoming. Let's see if Tata Martino makes them now or waits until after the free kick has been taken...
Vilsaint clips David Ruiz on the edge of the Montreal box. It's a free kick to Inter Miami in a very dangerous position.
Julian Gressel has the ball in his hands.
We're now 15 minutes into the second half and there has been little improvement from Inter Miami. They ended the first half with a good spell of play but they've let it slip after the break.
Inter Miami have the ball in the back of the net again but the flag is up!
A long ball forward found Robert Taylor running through and he slid the ball to Leo Campana to finish from close range. Taylor went too early with his run and the goal is correctly ruled out.
Sergii Kryvtsov
The Miami defender goes into the book for another late challenge on Josef Martinez. He's taken a lot of punishment in his first 15 minutes back at Chase Stadium.
Cynical foul from Piette on Ruiz as the youngster looks to dart through midfield.
Inter Miami win the free kick but the Montreal skipper will be happy with that foul.
Luis Suarez is out for a warm-up on the touchline. How long until we see El Pistolero enter the fray?
Good ball from Gressel out to Taylor on the right. They work the ball across to Campana on the edge of the box but his shot is well-blocked.
Gressel's cross is floated in but Montreal deal with it well and look to break.
Late challenge from Coccaro gives Inter Miami a free kick, around 40 yards from goal. Julian Gressel will deliver into the box.
Good from Redondo to win the ball back in the midfield. Miami try to play forward by they are choked out by Montreal's compact shape and they lose the ball.
Tomas Aviles
The Miami youngster is booked for that cynical early foul on Martinez, his former teammate.
Poor pass from Redondo on the halfway line. Aviles flies into a tackle on Martinez and gives away a free kick.
Brilliant from Montreal to play out of the Miami press and through the midfield. Piette finds Martinez on the halfway line, who slips the ball through to Matias Coccaro. He runs through on goal but is muscled out of it by Aviles.
No changes for Inter Miami and they look to be lining up in the same shape.
Montreal are sitting back very deep from the first whistle in this half and will try to hit Miami on the counter-attack with their array of attacking talent.
One change at the break as Josef Martinez comes on for Bryce Duke.
Can Martinez come back to haunt his former team?
And we're back! Montreal get the second half underway.
So, what will Tata Martino be saying to his players at the break? The Herons have looked good in possession and fashioned a few very presentable chances but have looked fragile at the back.
The energy of Matias Coccaro and Jule-Anthony Vilsaint has caused real problems for the Miami defence. The Herons need to be more aware of the danger in behind and Callender can help his defenders in that area.
With Luis Suarez and Josef Martinez on their respective benches, we're expecting changes for both sides before too long. Both players have the clinical streak needed to decide tight games like this, but who will come out on top?
Second half at Chase Stadium will start shortly...
Montreal ahead through Alvarez opener
Inter Miami have looked fairly confident in possession but the same old defensive vulnerabilities have been present in the first half today. Having just survived a lapse in concentration from Drake Callender, Miami conceded from the resultant corner as Alvarez headered home.
Halftime at Chase Stadium
That's all for the first half. CF Montreal have the lead thanks to an early header from Fernando Alvarez.
Jordi Alba finds Taylor on the edge of the box but he can't make space for a shot. Montreal clear the ball up-field.
There will be two minutes of added time before the break.
Montreal break down the right and Ruan finds Vilsaint with a dangerous cross. The visiting forward can't direct his effort on target.
Inter Miami build the ball well and find Campana on the edge of the box. He spins sharply and fires at goal but the effort is too weak to trouble Sirois.
Ruiz was in space on the right, he might have been a better option.
Noah Allen brings it forward on the left. Miami looking to fashion one last chance before the break, the home crowd push them onwards.
Another big chance for Robert Taylor as Tomas Aviles curls in a brilliant cross from the right. Taylor rises well but his header is straight at Sirois.
Still 1-0 to Montreal.
Momentum is very much with Inter Miami now. They are pushing for a leveller before the break.
Brilliant run and pass from Julian Gressel to slip the ball through to Robert Taylor. He's one-on-one with Sirois and clips the ball over the keeper, but his shot hits the crossbar and bounces over.
Good play from Miami, so nearly a leveller!
That Taylor chance was one of the few times that Miami have succeeded in getting 'in behind' the Montreal backline. They don't have the inventiveness of Messi or Suarez on the field, so they really need to compensate by posing a threat behind.
Brilliant play from Robert Taylor who spins on the ball and unleashes a vicious shot from 30 yards! His effort has Sirois beaten but it goes just wide of the post.
Sensational from Taylor, that's what Miami need more of.
Brilliant interception from Redondo in the middle, he plays the ball forward to Campana. The Miami forward twists and turns but can't make space for the shot and the chance disappears.
Vilssaint gets to his feet and Montreal play the free kick short.
Late challenge from Noah Allen on Vilssaint and the Montreal forward stays down on the halfway line.
He's not always the most composed of forwards, but the tenacity and intensity of Coccaro's running is causing real problems at the back for Miami. His off-the-ball work is superb and it's disrupting the Miami playbook.
More chaos at the back for Inter Miami!
Kryvtsov misjudges a bounce and Coccaro runs through on goal. Callender stands up well to block the shot and manages to push him wide.
Montreal want a penalty as Coccaro collapses under a challenge but referee says no!
Montreal have looked very impressive under new coach Laurent Courtois. They look composed on the ball and organised out of possession, causing plenty of problems for Inter Miami.
David Ruiz nearly loses possession on the edge of his own box. Matias Coccaro does brilliantly but can't quite pinch the ball.
Inter Miami definitely look at their most dangerous down the left, with Robert Taylor drifting wide to combine with Jordi Alba. The Miami duo have had a couple of nice exchanges in the opening 25 minutes and are finding space behind Ruan.
This is turning into a fascinating tactical battle with both sides looking to switch the play and get their widemen on the ball.
Watch: Fernando Alvarez gives Montreal the lead
Inter Miami's defences frailties were laid bare once again in the early stages. It was poor decision-making to concede the corner kick and they looked vulnerable from the set piece, Alvarez heading the ball home.
The game's back underway after a brief VAR check. The goal will not stand but it was brilliant striker's play from Leonardo Campana to slip the ball through to Jordi Alba, Miami need more of that inventiveness.
Inter Miami have the ball in the back of the net as Jordi Alba finishes brilliantly from close range. It's flagged for offside but it was very close, it will be checked by VAR.
Federico Redondo
The young midfielder goes into the book for that cynical foul.
Jordi Alba tries a no-look pass in to Campana but it's intercepted.
Montreal break and Redondo grabs at Bryce Duke to stop him getting away. Clear foul.
Big calls for a penalty kick as Robert Taylor goes down under a Montreal pass. It looks like a decent shout, but the play is pulled back for an earlier offside on Jordi Alba.
Inter Miami look to progress down the left with Allen and Campana. The latter clips in a cross towards Ruiz who tries an acrobatic bicycle kick, but he can't connect.
Disappointing goal to concede from a Miami point of view. It was a simple ball over the top that out-foxed the backline and Callender. They manage to save the first opportunity but conceded very softly from the resultant corner.
Tata Martino will hope that the early goal serves as a wake-up call for his side.
Gooooaaaaal! Fernando Alvarez
Montreal do lead and it comes from the corner kick! The in-swinging cross was an inviting one and Alvarez got his head on it to nod past Callender.
The visitors lead, and they deserve it!
Nearly a nightmare for Inter Miami as Callender charges out of his goal and misses the ball!
Coccaro is through on goal but some sensational defending from Kryvtsov prevents him opening the scoring.
Montreal striker Vilsaint barges his way through the Miami defence and makes space for a shot on the edge of the area. His shot is dragged wide of the post.
This has been a promising start for Redondo, filling in for Busquets as the central pivot. He's had plenty of the ball and looked comfortable on it.
More good work from David Ruiz on the right but he runs out of space near the byline and Montreal win the goal kick.
Good play from Montreal to fashion a couple of half-chances against Miami. Coccaro tries to spin and shoot from close range but his effort is well-blocked.
Another good delivery from Mathias Lassiter but Matias Coccaro can't make the most of it. Miami goal kick.
Dangerous delivery from Montreal, well cleared by Leo Campana. Ball goes out for a Montreal corner.
Good from Lassiter to pressure David Ruiz in his own box and wins a free kick for his team on the left. Good chance to deliver for the visitors.
Good composure on the ball from Montreal as the play it out from the back. Gabriele Corbo does well to bring the ball out of defence and win a throw-in for his team.
Good run forward from David Ruiz but he's muscled off the ball as he approaches the Montreal penalty box. The loose ball rolls through to Jonathan Sirois in the visitors' goal.
Inter Miami are indeed starting with a 5-3-2 with a new-look midfield with Federico Redondo making his MLS debut at the base of it.
Inter Miami get things underway!
And we're off...
The teams are out at Chase Stadium and it looks like a capacity crowd for Inter Miami - CF Montreal. The absence of Lionel Messi makes this one a potential banana skin for Inter Miami but Tata Martino's side remain the favourites for this one.
Expect goals and expect excitement!
Inter Miami look to continue impressive home record
The Herons have started the home campaign with two wins out of two, but face a tough task against CF Montreal. Miami have been forced into a number of changes for the game and face a Montreal side full of confidence.
Can Inter Miami adapt without Messi?
So, with three of Inter Miami's biggest guns not in the starting XI, what can we expect from the Herons?
The first thing to note is that Inter Miami look to have gone for a 5-3-2 formation, with Jordi Alba returning to his favoured slot on the left. The midfield trio for the Herons sees Lawson Sunderland join Federico Redondo and Julian Gressel in the middle. Sunderland showed good composure in the final stages against Nashville and has the opportunity from the start this evening.
The ability of that new-look midfield trio - none of whom started an MLS game for Miami in 2023 - to gel will be crucial for them against Montreal.
We're little over 20 minutes away from kick-off at Chase Stadium now as Inter Miami host CF Montreal. We will be bringing you full live updates right here on AS USA but you can also choose to watch or stream the game wherever you are in the world.
Here's everything you need to know...
Watch: Montreal beat Dallas in previous fixture
Although 2023 was a fairly forgettable season for CF Montreal there is fresh optimism as they embark on the new campaign. They secured an impressive 2-1 road victory over FC Dallas last weekend.
Here's how Laurent Courtois' side did it...
Another chance for Redondo to impress
But enough about who's not involved, let's take a look at who is playing for the Herons. Federico Redondo looks set to start as the central playmaker, in place of Sergio Busquets.
The Argentine was a recent arrival and he played his first game for the Herons in the midweek draw against Nashville. He struggled at times and was dispossessed on occasion but the young midfielder shows real on-ball talents and he has the bravery required of a player in such a pivotal position.
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Tonight's game represents a big challenge for Inter Miami, who will be without Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez from the start. Only Jordi Alba of the superstar quartet is named in the starting XI to take on Montreal.
Wondering why Tata Martino has made changes? Here's everything you need to know...
Montreal starting XI to take on Inter Miami
For the visitors Jules-Anthony Vilsaint starts after scoring in last weekend's win over FC Dallas. Forward Josef Martinez will start on the bench against his former side, as does former Premier League midfielder Victor Wanyama.
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Ahead of the game it looked like Lionel Messi might be rested for Inter Miami, but Tata Martino has shocked supporters by opting not to name the Argentine in the squad for the match. Here's what we know about Messi's fitness and the decision not to play him against Montreal.
No Lionel Messi for Inter Miami!
Here it is, confirmation that Lionel Messi is not in the Inter Miami squad for tonight's game.
Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets drop to the bench. Only Jordi Alba of the ex-Barcelona quartet starts for Tata Martino's side.
Why isn't Lionel Messi playing?
We haven't yet had confirmation of the starting XI for Inter Miami and Montreal, but Herons captain Lionel Messi looks set to miss out. So, why is the star attraction not playing for Miami?
It looks like today is Messi's night off, a necessary part of his schedule given his age and two-decade professional career. Earlier this week assistant coach Javier Morales hinted that Messi would need to be rested in the coming weeks.
“We already know Leo and he is a player who wants to play every game. I think we will have a conversation with him, see how he feels, see how he is and try to decide what is best for him because he has played 90 minutes every game and we will make the best decision thinking about the future.”
Lionel Messi out for Inter Miami
Huge news from Chase Stadium ahead of kick-off! It looks like Lionel Messi will not play for Inter Miami. The Argentine suffered a heavy tackle on the shin against Nashville a few days ago and Tata Martino has maintained that he will need to limit Messi's minutes this year.
Watch: MLS action in exciting weekend of fixtures
Inter Miami host Montreal in the final fixture of this MLS matchday. We've already seen a big victory for the reigning champions, a crucial victory for a new manager and a lethal hat-trick from one of the Golden Boot contenders.
Here's how it's looked so far in MLS...
“We already know Leo and he is a player who wants to play every game. I think we will have a conversation with him, see how he feels, see how he is and try to decide what is best for him."
Those were the word of Inter Miami assistant coach Javier Morales ahead of the Montreal clash. The need to rest Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez is clear, but will the Herons risk making a change against an in-form Montreal side?
Watch: Messi and Suarez level the tie against Nashville
Inter Miami come into this game off the back of an impressive away draw against Nashville in the CONCACAF Champions League. The Herons found themselves two goals down and reeling shortly after halftime midweek but the ex-Barcelona duo rolled back the years to bring their side level. It was an impressive feat of endurance from the two veteran stars and a clear sign of their enduring quality.
Will Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez start against Montreal? We'll find out very shortly...
Josef Martinez can take on former side
He had one of the greatest seasons in MLS history while at Atlanta United but Josef Martino's time at Inter Miami never managed to recapture that incredible form. The dynamic forward played alongside Lionel Messi and co. in 2023 but was let go at the end of the season, moving to tonight's opponents CF Montreal.
On his day he is among the most talented strikers in the league but a lack of consistency has plighted him in recent years. Martinez will be out to prove his worth at Chase Stadium this evening.
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Lionel Messi was the transformative signing for Inter Miami in 2023 and his continued presence will be crucial if the Herons are to mount a title charge this year. Their late-year playoff push was ended by a muscle injury to the Argentine last September and the Inter Miami coaching staff will be desperate to avoid a repeat this season.
Will Messi start against Montreal this evening? We'll find out very shortly...
Inter Miami return to MLS action
They were many experts' pre-season tips for MLS Cup and Inter Miami have delivered so far. The Herons have won two of their three opening MLS fixtures and secured a draw on the road in their CONCACAF Champions League clash against Nashville.
Now back at home, Chase Stadium should be packed this evening as the Herons look to reassert their status as genuine title contenders.
Inter Miami fought back from two goals behind to Nashville to level their CONCACAF Champions League midweek clash. Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez came to the rescue for the Herons but they may be forced to miss out on this evening's MLS game against CF Montreal.
The aging superstars will have to preserve their energies this year and a home game against the Canadian side could offer a chance to do that. However, Montreal come into the game with confidence after an impressive away victory against FC Dallas.