Lionel Messi made his first start for Inter Miami CF since returning from the FIFA World Cup and picked up right where he left off, scoring a stellar pair of goals to guide his team to a come-from-behind 4-2 rout of Atlético de San Luis in its first game of the 2026 Leagues Cup.
The Argentine star netted in the 11th and 44th minutes at Nu Stadium on Wednesday night, helping the Herons overcome an early deficit against the Liga MX side. Messi’s brace also lifted him to the all-time scoring lead in Leagues Cup history with 14 goals in 12 appearances, surpassing LAFC’s Denis Bouanga.
San Luis struck first in the fourth minute when David Rodríguez headed home to beat goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo. Miami responded quickly. Noah Allen delivered a precise cross from the left, and Messi finished first-time with a clinical volley into the top corner to level the score.
Allen continued his dominant performance, setting up Telasco Segovia midway through the first half for a powerful finish that put Inter Miami ahead 2-1. Near the end of the half, Allen provided another assist, crossing into the six-yard box for Messi to smash home his second goal and the eventual game-winner.
In first-half stoppage time, Messi swung in a corner that defender Micael headed home, extending the lead to 4-1 at the break. Allen finished with three assists, a career first.
San Luis pulled one back early in the second half through a long-range strike by Rafa Llorente (or Sergio in some reports), making it 4-2. A weather delay of about 30 minutes due to lightning and heavy rain interrupted play, but the visitors could not complete the comeback once the match resumed.
Messi, 39, returned from Argentina’s run to the World Cup final (a 1-0 loss to Spain) and had appeared as a substitute for 37 minutes in a 2-2 MLS draw with the Columbus Crew the previous weekend. This was his first start since the tournament, and he added an assist on Micael’s goal for a complete performance.
Inter Miami, the 2023 Leagues Cup champions and 2025 finalists, extended their recent strong form with the victory. The team will next host CF Monterrey in Phase One play.
Messi’s clinical finishing and creativity once again proved decisive as Inter Miami emphatically opened its campaign.
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