Javier Mascherano praised Lionel Messi for his game-changing performance in Inter Miami’s win over CF Montreal.

Messi scored twice and assisted Luis Suarez in the 4-2 that saw Inter Miami snap their four-game winless run.

The three points mean Miami sit sixth in the Eastern Conference and gave some much-needed momentum as they face fourth-place Columbus Crew next.

Head coach Mascherano encouraged the team to follow Messi’s example in their search for silverware.

"He makes everything look easy. He has accustomed us to that at this stage of his career," said Mascherano.

"I always try to focus not just on what he does, but on his desire to play. Because at the end of the day, you see how contagious he is, how competitive he is, and it reflects.

"All of us have to see ourselves in that reflection. That's the player that we have to follow because he shows us the way to be able to compete in a very good way.

"The team is united, they want to get out of this situation. Everybody is pulling in the same direction."

It is not just Messi that Mascherano had plenty of praise for.

"There's no words about Luis. I'm very happy with him," said Mascherano of his former club-mate Suarez.

"He is a player that has scored so many goals that has scored so much during his career. And many times that he doesn't have the possibilities or that there's a few games in which he doesn't score, I think for him, it is strange. But after that, there's the other part of Luis, the effort, his desire, that he never tries to give up."

The Crew are also in a difficult period, having drawn four of their last five games and losing the other.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Inter Miami – Lionel Messi

Messi played a key role in ending Miami’s winless streak with his two goals and one assist, but his form has still been good over the last few games.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has scored five goals in his last six games and assisted a further two.

He has now recorded 50 goal contributions (29 goals, 21 assists) in regular-season play, becoming the first Miami player to do so and hitting the milestone in just 37 games.

Columbus Crew – Diego Rossi

Rossi has been the most prolific player for the Crew this season, registering eight goals and three assists.

The Uruguayan has scored or assisted in each of his last five games, proving to be a bright spark in the club’s poor run of form.

MATCH PREDICTION: DRAW

Miami have got the better of Columbus of late, having gone unbeaten in the last six MLS meetings with the Crew.

Columbus are looking for their first league win in games between these two teams since August 2022.

The previous MLS fixture between the sides saw Miami emerge victorious 1-0 at Huntington Bank Field in April. Benjamin Cremaschi scored the only goal in the 30th minute.

However, Miami have conceded 15 goals in their last five matches, suggesting that this could well be an end-to-end encounter.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Inter Miami win – 37.9%

Columbus Crew win – 35.7%

Draw – 26.4%