Lionel Messi, the Inter Miami star who dazzled during the 2026 International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) North American World Cup, continued his stellar form by netting multiple goals to propel his team to victory on August 6.
In the opening match of the 2026 Leagues Cup first round at NU Stadium in Miami, Florida, Messi put on a show with two goals and an assist, leading Inter Miami to a 4-2 triumph over Mexico’s Atletico San Luis.
Following his impressive World Cup campaign, where he scored 8 goals and guided Argentina to the final, Messi took a well-deserved two-week break before making his return to action on August 2 in a league fixture against Columbus.
While Messi played just 37 minutes in his comeback match, he went the full 90 in this game, demonstrating his enduring class with a brace and an assist.
Starting as the spearhead of the attack, Messi leveled the score in the 11th minute of the first half, courtesy of a Noah Allen assist, after Inter Miami had fallen behind 0-1.
After Telasco Segovia had put Inter Miami in front, Messi struck again in the 44th minute, once more benefiting from Allen’s service.
In first-half stoppage time, Messi turned provider, delivering a pinpoint left-footed cross from a corner that Mikael headed home to extend the lead.
Messi’s brilliance helped Inter Miami establish a commanding three-goal advantage by halftime. Despite conceding in the 6th minute of the second half, they maintained their lead, kicking off the tournament on a high note.