Without Messi, Inter Miami edges out a narrow win in MLS 2026

Without Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul in the squad, Inter Miami still beat Montreal 1-0 thanks to a late penalty from Luis Suarez in round 17 of MLS 2026.

Montreal entered the match with great initiative, quickly taking control of the game and constantly unsettling the visitors' defense. The first clear opportunity came when Prince Owusu broke behind the Inter Miami backline and pulled back a cross for Daniel Rios. Despite facing an open goal, Rios miscontrolled the ball and sent it wide of the post.

Just two minutes later, Owusu continued to make an impact with a pass towards the near post. Hennadii Synchuk executed a clever backheel, but goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo managed to dive and save with his fingertips.

It took about 20 minutes for Inter Miami to gradually regain control and establish a rhythm of possession. The visitors created few chances, yet they nearly opened the scoring just before the break when a powerful shot by Telasco Segovia struck the crossbar.

In the second half, Montreal maintained their attacking intensity. However, a lack of sharpness in finishing once again cost the home side. Owusu had a one-on-one chance against Ríos Novo, but his moment of hesitation allowed the Inter Miami keeper to rush out, close the angle, and gather the ball.

The match was stopped in the 70th minute after a heavy head clash between Germán Berterame and Efrain Morales. Berterame was unconscious on the pitch and had to be taken to hospital by ambulance. The referee ruled that the Montreal player had committed a foul in the incident, and awarded Inter Miami a penalty.

After a lengthy period of medical treatment, Suarez stepped up to the penalty spot in the 81st minute. The Uruguayan striker calmly fired straight down the middle, scoring the only goal of the match.

Montreal were unable to find an equalizer in the remaining time, thereby extending their winless run to six matches. Meanwhile, Inter Miami improved their record to 11 wins, two draws, and four losses, while also setting a streak of six consecutive away victories in MLS.