Messi inspires Inter Miami comeback and claims Leagues Cup scoring record

Lionel Messi marked his first start since Argentina’s 2026 World Cup final defeat with two goals and an assist as Inter Miami beat Atletico de San Luis 4-2 in the Leagues Cup in the early hours of Thursday.

The result also saw Messi become the competition’s all-time leading scorer. The Argentina captain now has 14 goals in 12 Leagues Cup appearances, moving beyond Los Angeles FC forward Denis Bouanga, who had scored 13, according to French broadcaster RMC.

Messi’s performance came after Argentina lost the 2026 World Cup final to Spain. It was his first appearance in Inter Miami’s starting line-up since that match and provided evidence that he is ready to return to his best for the Major League Soccer club.

Atletico de San Luis made the stronger start and took the lead after only four minutes. David Rodriguez rose to head the Mexican side in front, putting Inter Miami under early pressure.

The home team responded seven minutes later, with the equaliser involving one of its recent arrivals. Casemiro began the move by passing to Noah Allen, whose cross was met first time by Messi and driven into the net in the 11th minute.

Inter Miami then turned the match around. Venezuela international Telasco Segovia restored the home side’s lead in the 26th minute, before Messi struck again just before half-time.

The second goal came in the 44th minute after Messi had initiated the attack himself. He continued his run and finished the move to put Inter Miami ahead and complete his brace.

Messi then played a decisive role in the fourth goal in first-half stoppage time. His accurately delivered corner was converted by Brazilian defender Micael dos Santos, giving Inter Miami a 4-2 advantage before the interval.

Atletico de San Luis reduced the deficit six minutes into the second half when Spanish player Rafael Llorente scored in the 51st minute. However, the goal did not lead to a further comeback, and Inter Miami held on to secure victory by the same 4-2 scoreline.

The match followed Messi’s return from a 10-day break from training after the World Cup final. He had come off the bench at the weekend in Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw with Columbus Crew in MLS, but was restored to the starting line-up for the Leagues Cup fixture.

His return to the first team was therefore accompanied by a significant individual milestone. Messi’s two goals took his Leagues Cup total to 14, while his assist for Micael dos Santos completed a three-goal contribution and helped Inter Miami recover from an early setback against Atletico de San Luis.