MONTREAL — Stars Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul didn’t play, but Inter Miami still found a way to beat CF Montreal 1-0 at Stade Saputo on Saturday.
Luis Suárez’ converted a penalty kick in the 81st minute as Miami (11-2-4) has now won six consecutive road games, keeping Montreal (4-10-3) winless in their last six MLS matches.
Montreal came out of the game firing on all cylinders and caught Miami off guard, allowing them to control much of the ball and even produce a golden opportunity that inexplicably did not put the hosts ahead.
After being played in behind the defence, Prince Owusu sent a perfect low cross to Daniel Rios, who was staring down a wide-open net. However, he mishit the ball and helplessly watched the effort go wide.
That did not dampen Montreal’s control as just two minutes later it was Hennadii Synchuk’s turn to test Miami goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo. Another Owusu cross found Synchuk at the near post as the Ukrainian youth international’s spectacular backheel was stopped by Ríos Novo’s outstretched hand.
It took Miami roughly 20 minutes to finally get into the game and set their own rhythm in possession. While they could not create many chances, Telasco Segovia sent a powerful shot off the crossbar right before halftime.
Montreal started the second half with a similar energy that was seen during the opening stage. Unfortunately for the hosts, the lack of finishing quality carried over as well. Owusu was played through on goal with only the keeper to beat, but a single hesitation was enough for Rios Novo to come off his line and claim the ball.
In the 70th minute, all the air was sucked out of the stadium when Germán Berterame and Efrain Morales’ heads made contact and Berterame was knocked unconscious, requiring removal by ambulance.
The contact was ruled a foul, and Miami was given a penalty, which Suarez dispatched down the middle of the goal.
Montreal was unable to mount a comeback in the dying stages of the game, highlighting another game where a lack of finish in the final third resulted in dropped points.
UP NEXT
Inter Miami: Host the Columbus Crew on Saturday, Aug. 1.
CF Montreal: Host the New England Revolution on Saturday, Aug. 1.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 25, 2026.
Elias Grigoriadis, The Canadian Press
