Messi Returns: Miami Wins in Leagues Cup with Assist from the 10

Messi Returns with Double Assists in the Leagues Cup

In an exciting match played at Chase Stadium, Lionel Messi proved his worth by leading Inter Miami CF to a 2-1 victory against Atlas. The Argentine star, after serving a suspension, returned with an outstanding performance, including two crucial assists that sealed the triumph. Messi, after his absence in the match against FC Cincinnati, due to a league rule, expressed that, although rest may benefit some players, he prefers competition to maintain his rhythm. “The truth is that it was difficult with the heat, and not having played the other day. Although [the rest] seems better, for me it’s worse because I need to compete,” Messi commented after the match. The Argentine star highlighted the importance of this tournament for the team. “It’s a great competition for us; one in which we always compete,” Messi stated. “It’s a great test for us to face Mexican teams, and the format has changed, so we can enjoy it and play it. It’s a great competition. [The victory] is super important.”

I feel physically good the more games I play and get into rhythm.

Lionel Messi

Messi was key in the victory, assisting Marcelo Weigandt in the winning goal, a goal that was initially disallowed for offside, but which VAR later validated. Since May 28, Messi has been directly involved in 21 of Inter Miami’s last 27 goals in all competitions.

Inter Miami’s new signing, Rodrigo De Paul, also made his debut, showing a good connection with Messi in the attack. The coach Javier Mascherano highlighted the importance of having players like De Paul and the connection they have with Messi. “All of us who have had the opportunity to play with Leo, to know Leo, the players who have that connection with him, we have to take advantage of it. We have to take advantage of it a lot because they are few and far between, and those players are chosen,” Mascherano declared. Inter Miami is preparing to face Necaxa at Chase Stadium on Saturday night, before concluding the group stage of the 2025 Leagues Cup against Pumas.