Messi Returns Triumphant: Brace in Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup Victory

Messi Returns with Double Assists in the Leagues Cup

Lionel Messi, after serving a suspension, demonstrated his worth by assisting on two crucial goals, including the winning goal, in Inter Miami CF’s 2-1 victory against Atlas in the Leagues Cup. The Argentine star, after a first half where he struggled to find his rhythm, became the key figure of the match, sealing the victory for his team. Messi, who had been absent due to a one-match suspension after not participating in the MLS All-Star Game, shared his impressions after the match.

The truth is that it was difficult with the heat, and not having played the other day. Although rest seems better, for me it’s worse because I need to compete. I feel good physically the more games I play and I get into rhythm. The other day they didn’t let me compete, and I felt it in the first half, but the important thing is that we won.

Lionel Messi

The Argentine star highlighted the importance of the victory and the value of the competition for the team.

It’s a great competition for us; one we always compete in. 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. Victory is super important. American teams hadn’t won, and it’s important for us to take advantage because we compete among ourselves. While we play against Mexican teams, the table is on our side, and we have to score more than the others.

Lionel Messi

In the match, Messi assisted Marcelo Weigandt in stoppage time for the winning goal, validated after VAR review. Since May 28th, Messi has been directly involved in 21 of Inter Miami’s last 27 goals in all competitions.

Lionel Messi celebrates after assisting in the winning goal for Inter Miami in the Leagues Cup. Rodrigo De Paul’s debut, Messi’s teammate in the Argentine national team, was also a highlight of the match, generating a promising connection in the attack. Coach Javier Mascherano highlighted the importance of having De Paul and the special connection between both players.

Rodrigo De Paul gives us the hierarchy with a player at his best, a world champion, one of the most important players in the national team that is world champion, and who has a significant connection with our best player on and off the field. 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.

Javier Mascherano

Inter Miami is preparing to face Necaxa on Saturday at Chase Stadium, before closing the group stage of the 2025 Leagues Cup against Pumas.