Lionel Messi marked his return to the Inter Miami starting line-up with two goals and an assist as his side beat Mexican club Atletico de San Luis 4-2 in the Leagues Cup on Thursday.
The Argentina captain made his first start since his country’s defeat by Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, producing a decisive performance to underline his readiness to return to top form for his club.
Messi also made history during the match. His two goals took his Leagues Cup tally to 14 in 12 appearances, making him the competition’s all-time leading scorer, according to French network RMC. He moved ahead of Los Angeles FC forward Denis Bouanga, who had scored 13 goals in the tournament.
Atletico de San Luis made the stronger start and opened the scoring after only four minutes. David Rodriguez met a cross with a header to put the Mexican side in front.
Inter Miami responded seven minutes later, with Casemiro playing a key role in the move. The Brazilian, who recently joined the club, found Noah Allen, whose cross was met first time by Messi and dispatched into the net.
The hosts then took control of the contest and went ahead in the 26th minute through Venezuela international Telasco Segovia.
Messi restored Inter Miami’s advantage shortly before half-time, scoring his second goal of the game in the 44th minute. He initiated the attacking move before completing it himself to put his side 3-2 ahead.
The Argentina forward then supplied his third major contribution of the match in first-half stoppage time. His accurately delivered corner was converted by Brazilian defender Micael dos Santos, giving Inter Miami a two-goal lead at the interval.
Atletico de San Luis reduced the deficit six minutes after the restart when Spain’s Rafael Llorente scored in the 51st minute. However, the Mexican club could not find another goal as Inter Miami held on for a 4-2 victory.
The appearance was Messi’s second since returning to action following the World Cup final. He came off the bench last weekend in Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw with Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer.
Messi had resumed training after spending 10 days away from the team following Argentina’s loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. His first start since that match ended with a personal record, three direct goal contributions and a convincing win for Inter Miami in the Leagues Cup.
