Scoring: Messi 11', 44', Segovia 26', Micael 45' - Rodriguez 4', Llorente 51'

Lionel Messi made an immediate impact in his first start for Inter Miami, nearly three weeks after Argentina finished as runner-up at the 2026 World Cup. The 39-year-old forward contributed to three of Inter Miami's four goals, demonstrating he had not lost his touch despite a recent summer break.

Messi retrieves the ball after scoring Inter Miami's 1-1 equalizer against Atletico San Luis in the Leagues Cup at Chase Stadium, Miami, Florida, US on 5/8. Photo: AP

Inter Miami's match began with an early setback, conceding a goal in the 4th minute. However, Atletico San Luis's advantage lasted only seven minutes. In the 11th minute, Noah Allen delivered a cross from the left wing, which Messi precisely volleyed first-time with his left foot, sending the ball into the far corner for the 1-1 equalizer. This marked the Argentine captain's first goal since the World Cup.

After leveling the score, Inter Miami completely dominated the game. In the 20th minute, Messi nearly scored a second goal, receiving a pass from Casemiro before hitting a left-footed shot that struck the post. Just three minutes later, Allen again made an impact with an assist, setting up Telasco Segovia for a close-range shot that made the score 2-1.

Messi continued to be the focal point late in the first half. In the 44th minute, Allen provided another assist with a cross from the left wing. Midfielder Yannick Bright cleverly let the ball run, allowing Messi to control it neatly and fire a left-footed shot into the roof of the net. This completed his brace and extended Inter Miami's lead to 3-1. The stands erupted with chants of "Messi, Messi" following the 39-year-old captain's play.

Messi shoots under pressure from defender Roman Torres during Inter Miami's Leagues Cup match against Atletico San Luis at Chase Stadium, Miami, Florida, US on 5/8. Photo: AP

In the seventh minute of first-half stoppage time, Messi completed an almost perfect performance with an assist from a corner kick. The Argentine forward delivered an accurate ball for defender Micael to rise and head in a goal, giving Inter Miami a 4-1 lead.

Despite conceding another goal, Inter Miami maintained a safe lead, with the hosts deliberately slowing the tempo. In the 68th minute, the match was halted due to lightning in the stadium area, per US safety regulations. Messi expressed his displeasure with the decision, reacting verbally before leaving the field.

When the match resumed, neither team could maintain their rhythm, and the 4-2 score held until the final whistle. Inter Miami will face Monterrey on 8/8 in their next match. Four days later, they will play their final first-round match against Leon.

The Leagues Cup is a tournament between US and Mexican clubs, which has been held six times. Inter Miami won the title in 2023, which was Messi's first with the team. This year's tournament features 36 teams and runs from 4/8 to 6/9. Teams compete regionally in the first round, with 8 teams advancing to the quarterfinals.

Xuan Binh