Messi Sets Leagues Cup Scoring Record as Inter Miami Open Tournament with 4-2 Win
Lionel Messi needed only 44 minutes to remind everyone why he still defines this competition.
In Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup opener on Wednesday night at Nu Stadium, the Argentine scored twice and added an assist in a 4-2 victory over Atlético San Luis. The performance made him the all-time leading goalscorer in Leagues Cup history with 14 goals in 12 appearances, moving clear of LAFC’s Denis Bouanga.
These were also Messi’s first goals since the World Cup final.
San Luis struck first in the fourth minute through David Rodríguez. Messi equalized seven minutes later with a first-time volley from Noah Allen’s cross. Telasco Segovia made it 2-1 midway through the half, again from an Allen assist, before Messi added his second in the 44th minute. Just before the break, Messi delivered a corner that Micael headed home for 4-1. Rafa Llorente pulled one back for the visitors early in the second half, but Miami held firm.
Allen finished with three assists. For Messi, it was another chapter in a competition he has dominated since arriving in MLS. He now has more goals than games played in the Leagues Cup.
Elsewhere in the Opening Round
Several other MLS sides made strong starts:
- Charlotte FC dismantled Pumas 3-0
- FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew both won 3-1 (against Pachuca and Atlas)
- FC Dallas beat Querétaro 2-0
- Orlando City, with Antoine Griezmann on the scoresheet, came from behind to defeat Monterrey 2-1
There were tougher nights too. Seattle Sounders were beaten 3-0 away at Toluca. Nashville lost 1-0 at home to León. Minnesota United and Vancouver Whitecaps both fell to Liga MX opposition, while Real Salt Lake and LAFC needed penalty shootouts after 1-1 draws (LAFC advanced against Chivas; Real Salt Lake were eliminated by Tigres).
The early picture shows a mixed but competitive opening for MLS clubs. Inter Miami, however, looked the most complete on the night — and Messi once again set the standard.
The Herons will look to build on the result when the group stage continues. For everyone else, the message was clear: the tournament has begun, and the best player in its history is already back on the scoresheet.