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The Argentine superstar once again proved why he remains one of the game's defining figures, producing a decisive display that further strengthened his remarkable legacy while helping his club begin the tournament perfectly. Lionel Messi delivered another unforgettable performance as Inter Miami opened its 2026 Leagues Cup campaign with an impressive victory, adding yet another milestone to his extraordinary career. The Argentine superstar once again proved why he remains one of the game’s defining figures, producing a decisive display that further strengthened his remarkable legacy while helping his club begin the tournament perfectly. The latest achievement adds to an already glittering resume that spans nearly two decades, but this one carried special significance in a competition that has become increasingly important across North America. By the final whistle, Messi had once again placed himself at the center of the soccer conversation after another night where his quality made the difference. Inter Miami opens with statement victory Inter Miami kicked off its Leagues Cup journey by defeating Atletico San Luis 4-2 in an entertaining contest that featured six goals, dramatic momentum swings, and another masterclass from Messi. Despite conceding within the opening minutes, the MLS side quickly recovered and seized control before halftime. David Rodríguez handed the Mexican club an early advantage after just four minutes, briefly silencing the home crowd. The response, however, came almost immediately, as Messi equalized in the 11th minute with a composed finish after being found by his teammates in space. The comeback continued midway through the first half when Telasco Segovia completed the turnaround, giving Inter Miami a deserved lead. Messi then struck again shortly before halftime, before defender Micael added a fourth goal in stoppage time, putting the match well beyond Atletico San Luis before the interval. Although Rafa Llorente reduced the deficit during the second half, Inter Miami comfortably protected its advantage to secure all three points. The victory also extended the club’s unbeaten run and immediately established it among the tournament favorites. Messi reaches another historic milestone The two goals did far more than secure victory for Inter Miami. Messi’s brace officially made him the Leagues Cup‘s all-time leading goalscorer, taking his tally to 14 goals in just 12 appearances. Entering the night, the Argentine was level with LAFC forward Denis Bouanga, but his first-half double moved him into first place on his own. Later in the evening, Bouanga also found the net to draw level again on 14 goals, but the Argentine superstar did it in fewer games. RankPlayerTeamGoalsAppsGoals per Game1.Lionel MessiInter Miami CF14121.172.Denis BouangaLAFC14131.083.Bongokuhle HlongwaneMinnesota United9100.904.Diego RossiColumbus Crew / Monterrey890.895.Tai BariboPhiladelphia Union771.00 The milestone continues a remarkable run since Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023. His arrival transformed the club’s fortunes almost immediately, leading it to its first Leagues Cup title before guiding it back to another deep run in subsequent editions.
Lionel Messi scored his first World Cup after his campaign in the 2026 World Cup in Inter Miami's debut in the 2026 Leagues Cup against Atletico San Luis. Inter Miami opened its 2026 Leagues Cup campaign against Atletico San Luis on Wednesday, August 5, at Nu Stadium. Although the Mexican side grabbed an early lead, Lionel Messi answered back with his first two goals since the 2026 World Cup to turn the score around in South Florida. After making his return to action as a substitute against the Columbus Crew over the weekend, Messi rejoined Guillermo Hoyos’ starting lineup for the midweek fixture. David Rodriguez stunned the home crowd by heading in a fourth-minute opener, but the early deficit sparked the Herons, particularly Messi, into an immediate response. Hunting for an equalizer as Atletico San Luis sat deep in its defensive shell, Inter Miami orchestrated a crisp buildup through the midfield. Casemiro spotted Noah Allen wide on the left flank, and the defender whipped in a sharp cross to a trailing Messi, who redirected the ball past the keeper from the edge of the box in the 11th minute. Messi delivers once again. ⚽Miami's 10 opens his #LeaguesCup2026 account with his 13th goal in Leagues Cup history! 🐐Watch now @InterMiamiCF vs. @AtletideSanLuis on Apple TV 📺https://t.co/tms3b61AW0 pic.twitter.com/3lSQGXCMKv— Leagues Cup (@LeaguesCup) August 5, 2026 Shortly after, in the 26th minute, Telasco Segovia completed the first-half turnaround by tapping the ball into an open net following another precise delivery from Allen just before the hydration break. As the Mexican side pushed for a result, Messi appeared again to put the away side on its heels. Messi dropped into the middle of the pitch to collect a pass from Casemiro, and after a quick one-two with Yannick Bright, he opened the play wide to Allen. Once again, the defender delivered a pinpoint cross for Messi as he crashed the box, taking a quick touch before finishing calmly to complete his first-half brace in the 44th minute. But wait, there's more! 💥Messi scores his second goal of the first half vs. San Luis 🤯 pic.twitter.com/vCmwoydGkF— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 6, 2026 The second half concluded with Messi playing a corner kick that found defender Micael inside the box to score the fourth goal for the Herons, and to add an assist for the Argentine ace. Messi takes top spot on Leagues Cup goalscoring leaderboard In his 2023 debut campaign with Inter Miami, Lionel Messi made an immediate impact by scoring 10 goals during his first Leagues Cup appearance to lead the Herons to the title. Following back-to-back seasons interrupted by injuries, Messi marked his return to the tournament by surging to the top of the competition’s all-time scoring charts. With his first-half brace, Messi brought his total to 14 goals in 12 all-time Leagues Cup matches, surpassing LAFC’s Denis Bouanga (13) to become the single highest goalscorer in tournament history. Minnesota United’s Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Philadelphia Union’s Tai Baribo, and former Columbus Crew forward Cucho Hernandez remain tied for third on the all-time list with seven goals apiece.
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