Inter Miami 4–2 CF Montreal: Player Ratings As Herons Survive Multiple Defensive Injuries

Sports Illustrated FC

·29 May 2025

Inter Miami 4–2 CF Montreal: Player Ratings As Herons Survive Multiple Defensive Injuries

Inter Miami defeated CF Montréal 3–1 navigating multiple defensive injuries on the night to get back to winning ways. A crucial three points

Miami looked to take advantage of their experience against the youngest average aged squad in the entire league.

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The Herons were forced into an early substitution after Gonzalo Lujan looked to be in serious discomfort. Improving defensively is one thing, but losing one of Javier Mascherano's preferred options is less than ideal. Tomas Aviles replaced the injured Lujan.

Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez had chances in the first 20 minutes, but couldn't find a breakthrough. On a night where they could've capitalized early against the Eastern Conference's defense, the Herons lacked an edge early on. To make matters worse, Jordi Alba had to come off with an apparently injury in the 23rd minute.

The first real bit of quality came in the 27th minute. Sergio Busquets did well to shield the ball from Nathan Saliba before feeding it to Messi. The Argentine fired a low-driven shot to the far post for the opener.

Just on the verge of halftime, it looked like things would get even worse when Aviles looked to be injured. He continued on until the whistle, but Mascherano still had to bring on Maxi Falcón to start the second 45.

Oscar Ustari made a massive double save to deny the visitors an equalizer. A big moment in the match as the Herons search for defensive consistency. Right after, down at the other end, Lionel Messi assisted Suárez for the second goal of the night. Moments later, the Uruguayan put the game to bed with his second. Dante Sealy got one back for Montréal shortly after as Miami's quest for a clean sheet continues. Messi scored a second as well, but Victor Loturi once again got another goal back quickly for Marco Donadel's team.

The Herons continue to struggle defensively. Their offensive performance might paper over cracks tonight, but the warning signs remain. The third goal should've been time to shut up shop and head home. Conceding goals so quickly, against the worst team in the Eastern Conference no less, after scoring must not go unnoticed.