Messi Fires Miami to Leagues Cup Victory

Lionel Messi marked his return to top scoring form with two goals as Inter Miami fought back from an early setback to defeat Atlético San Luis 4-2 in an entertaining Leagues Cup clash played in difficult weather conditions.

The match at Nu Stadium was interrupted for 30 minutes during the second half because of lightning, but that did little to slow Messi, who found the net in the 11th and 44th minutes. His latest brace took his Leagues Cup tally to 14 goals in 12 matches, moving him ahead of Denis Bouanga of Los Angeles FC as the competition’s all-time leading scorer.

David Rodríguez gave Atlético San Luis an early advantage with a fourth-minute header before Messi levelled the contest after finishing a cross from Noah Allen. The Argentine added his second from close range just before half-time and later set up defender Micael, who scored with a header in stoppage time. Telasco Segovia also found the net, while Allen finished the night with three assists as Inter Miami stretched their unbeaten run to eight matches.

The victory came in Messi’s second appearance since the World Cup, where he guided Argentina to a second consecutive final before the team suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain. He had featured as a substitute in Miami’s 2-2 draw against the Columbus Crew last weekend.

Luis Suárez missed the game because he is serving a six-match Leagues Cup suspension following the incident during last year’s final against Seattle, despite scoring seven goals in his previous four matches.

Can Lionel Messi inspire Inter Miami to lift the Leagues Cup trophy once again this season?