Inter Miami 4-2 Atletico San Luis: Messi's Brace, Record Goal & Assist | Leagues Cup 2026 Highlights

In the opening match of the 2026 Leagues Cup at Nu Stadium in Miami, Inter Miami secured a come-from-behind 4-2 victory over Mexican side Atletico San Luis. Lionel Messi, making his first start since the World Cup, scored twice, provided an assist, and set a tournament record. The visitors took a shock lead in the 4th minute when David Rodriguez headed home from a cross. Messi equalized in the 11th minute, finishing first-time from Noah Allen's delivery. Venezuelan midfielder Telasco Segovia put Miami ahead in the 26th minute after another Allen assist, and Messi completed his brace in the 44th minute, tapping in from Allen's cross. That goal was his 14th in Leagues Cup history, moving him past Denis Bouanga to become the tournament's all-time leading scorer. In first-half stoppage time, Brazilian defender Micael headed in from Messi's corner to make it 4-1. Rafa Llorente pulled one back with a long-range strike in the 51st minute, but play was halted for nearly 30 minutes in the 67th minute due to a severe thunderstorm. After the restart, the score remained unchanged, and Inter Miami cruised to all three points. Noah Allen recorded three first-half assists — a career-best performance. For Messi, this was a key moment after the World Cup final defeat to Spain. He extended Inter Miami's Leagues Cup home unbeaten streak to 11 matches.