Messi goals help Miami start Leagues Cup in rout

Lionel Messi sent a resounding message to the soccer world in his highly anticipated debut with Inter Miami as the Argentine superstar scored a stellar pair of goals to propel his team to a come-from-behind 4-2 rout of Atlético de San Luis in its first game of the 2026 Leagues Cup.

Miami's victory was far from a straightforward affair, as Atlético de San Luis took a 2-0 lead in the first 45 minutes of the match. Despite the early deficit, Messi's presence on the pitch seemed to spark a surge of momentum in favor of the home team. He began to exert his influence on the game, testing the San Luis goalkeeper with a series of precise shots and clever footwork.

Messi's first goal of the match arrived in the 62nd minute, with his second coming just seven minutes later in the 69th minute. The Argentine's second goal proved to be the decisive blow for Miami, as it sparked a flurry of counterattacks that ultimately led to two more goals for the home team. By the final whistle, Miami had secured a convincing 4-2 victory, with Messi's standout performance at the forefront of the triumph.

With this impressive win, Inter Miami has sent a statement to the soccer world that it is a force to be reckoned with in the Leagues Cup. Messi's influence on the game was undeniable, and his partnership with his teammates will undoubtedly be a factor to watch throughout the tournament. Miami will look to build on this momentum as it takes on its next opponent in the Leagues Cup, with high hopes of making a deep run in the competition.