At 39, Lionel Messi has nothing left to prove.
The Argentine superstar has won virtually every major honour available to him, cemented his place among football’s greatest-ever players and seemingly ended every argument about his place in the sport’s history.
Yet, somehow, Messi continues to play with the hunger of a player chasing his first major trophy.
That competitive edge was on full display on Saturday night as the Inter Miami captain produced another remarkable performance, scoring four goals in a stunning 7-1 demolition of CF Montreal.
It was a reminder that, even at an age when most players have long since stepped away from the biggest stages, Messi remains capable of completely taking over a football match.
Casemiro gets Miami started before Messi takes control
Inter Miami made the perfect start when summer signing Casemiro opened the scoring.
The former Real Madrid and Manchester United midfielder rose highest to meet a corner and powered his header into the net, marking his first goal for Inter Miami.
Montreal managed to respond in the 37th minute, briefly bringing the visitors back into the contest.
But once Messi found his rhythm, the game quickly turned into a one-man show.
A Messi free-kick took a deflection on its way through and found the back of the net to restore Miami’s lead.
Then, just seven minutes into the second half, the Argentine produced something far more spectacular.
Receiving the ball with several defenders around him, Messi weaved his way through the Montreal defence before calmly finishing with his weaker foot. It was the kind of goal that has become synonymous with the 39-year-old throughout his extraordinary career.
Messi turns provider before completing his hat-trick
Messi wasn’t finished.
In the 80th minute, he showed another side of his game by setting up his longtime friend and former Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez.
With a perfectly timed assist, Messi gave Suarez the chance to get his name on the scoresheet and extend Miami’s advantage.
Three minutes later, Messi was back among the goals.
This time, he spotted the goalkeeper off his line and calmly lifted the ball over him to complete his hat-trick.
At 5-1, the result was already beyond doubt, but the entertainment continued.
Eighteen-year-old Alexander Shaw joined the party with a spectacular long-range strike, giving the youngster a memorable moment.
And naturally, Messi had the final say.
Deep into stoppage time, the veteran stepped up for another free-kick and delivered yet another brilliant finish, completing his four-goal haul and putting the finishing touch on an extraordinary night.
A perfect response for Inter Miami
The emphatic victory could hardly have come at a better time for Inter Miami.
It was the club’s first match since announcing that Guillermo Hoyos would be replaced as head coach by former Argentina international Kily Gonzalez.
Gonzalez was not yet on the touchline for this match, but he will soon inherit a side featuring a player who, despite being 39, continues to produce performances that defy expectations.
Messi’s four-goal display was more than just another impressive statistic.
It was another statement from a player who has already achieved everything there is to achieve — but still refuses to stop competing.
For Messi, apparently, winning it all was never enough.
He still wants more.
