Messi's goals came in the 11th and 44th minutes, bringing his total to 14 goals in just 12 appearances in the tournament. This achievement places him at the top of the scoring chart, ahead of Bouanga, who has netted 13 goals. Other notable scorers in the tournament include Bongokuhle Hlongwane from Minnesota United and Tai Baribo from Philadelphia Union, both with seven goals. Messi's performance not only highlighted his individual brilliance but also contributed to Inter Miami's impressive unbeaten streak, which now stands at eight matches.
Messi's Impact on the Match
The match began with a setback for Inter Miami when David Rodríguez scored for Atlético San Luis with a header, putting the Mexican side in the lead. However, Messi quickly responded, leveling the score just four minutes later with a well-placed shot following a long cross from Noah Allen. He then added another goal just before halftime, demonstrating his ability to change the course of the game. In addition to his two goals, Messi assisted Micael's header in stoppage time, further solidifying his influence on the match.
Rafa Llorente also found the net for Atlético San Luis, but it was not enough to overcome the firepower of Inter Miami. This match marked Messi's return to the starting lineup for the second time since the World Cup, where he led Argentina to the finals. His previous appearance was a 37-minute stint off the bench in a draw against Columbus Crew, where he was unable to score. The victory against San Luis not only highlights Messi's return to form but also reinforces Inter Miami's ambitions in the Leagues Cup, a tournament they won in 2023 shortly after Messi joined the team.
