Messi Rewrites Leagues Cup Record Books
Lionel Messi made a stunning return to Inter Miami’s starting XI after the Club World Cup break, scoring twice and providing an assist in a 4-2 victory over Mexican side Atletico San Luis in the Leagues Cup. The Argentine captain also became the tournament’s all-time leading scorer. Inter Miami fell behind in the fourth minute when David Rodriguez finished a flowing move for San Luis. Messi responded six minutes later, volleying home Noah Allen’s cross to level the score.
Miami took the lead in the 26th minute as Telasco Segovia converted another precise pass from Allen. Messi extended the advantage just before halftime, collecting Allen’s pass and finishing calmly after Yannick Bright’s clever dummy made it 3-1. In first-half stoppage time, Messi delivered a pinpoint corner that Brazilian defender Mikael Silva headed home to give Miami a commanding 4-1 lead. Rafa Llorente pulled one back for San Luis early in the second half before heavy rain briefly interrupted the match. No further goals followed as Miami secured a convincing 4-2 victory.
Messi’s brace took his Leagues Cup tally to 14 goals, making him the competition’s all-time leading scorer since its revamped format began in 2023, surpassing Los Angeles FC forward Denis Bouanga. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner also recorded his fifth brace in just 12 Leagues Cup appearances, underlining his remarkable consistency.
