Inter Miami Thrills Fans as Lionel Messi Nets Two Goals and Contributes an Assist - Watch the Highlights

In a thrilling encounter on a rainy Wednesday night, Lionel Messi showcased his remarkable talent by scoring twice, leading Inter Miami to a 4-2 victory over Atletico San Luis in the Leagues Cup. The match, held at Nu Stadium, experienced a 30-minute delay in the second half due to lightning, but that did not dampen the spirits of the home crowd. With these goals, Messi not only marked his return to form but also took the lead in the tournament's all-time scoring chart, netting 14 goals in just 12 matches, surpassing Denis Bouanga of Los Angeles FC.

Messi's first goal came in the 11th minute, leveling the score after David Rodríguez had given San Luis an early lead with a header just four minutes into the game. The Argentine superstar then added another goal just before halftime, finishing from close range after a well-placed cross from Noah Allen, who also contributed three assists during the match. Micael added to the tally with a header in stoppage time, sealing the victory for Miami, which has now gone eight matches without a loss.

This match marked Messi's second start since returning from the World Cup, where he led Argentina to the finals before suffering a narrow defeat to Spain. In his previous outing against the Columbus Crew, Messi played 37 minutes as a substitute, contributing to a 2-2 draw. However, he wasted no time in making his presence felt against San Luis, demonstrating his ability to change the course of a game.

Rafa Llorente also found the net for San Luis, but it was not enough to overcome the offensive prowess of Inter Miami. The team, which Messi helped lead to the Leagues Cup title in 2023, is looking to reclaim its dominance in the tournament. Notably, Luis Suarez, who has been a key player for Miami with seven goals in his last four matches, was absent from this game due to a suspension stemming from a brawl in last year's final against Seattle.