Messi's Magical Night: Two Goals and a Historic Record in the League Cup
Lionel Messi scored his first goals since the World Cup, took over the top of the League Cup scoring charts, and led Inter Miami to a 4-2 victory over Atletico San Luis.
Lionel Messi scored his first goals since the World Cup, took over the top of the League Cup scoring charts, and led Inter Miami to a 4-2 victory over Atletico San Luis.
Lionel Messi once again dazzled the football world. In his second appearance since the World Cup, the 39-year-old Argentine scored two goals and provided an assist in Inter Miami's 4-2 win over Mexico's Atletico San Luis. The match, played on August 6, 2026, at Nu Stadium in Miami, marked his return to the starting lineup and an opportunity to write a new page in the competition's history.
The Mexican side took the lead in the 4th minute with a goal from David Rodriguez, but the home team's response was swift and powerful. Messi equalized in the 11th minute and then scored his second goal of the match in the 44th minute. In stoppage time of the first half, he assisted defender Micael for a header goal.
In the second half, which was interrupted for 30 minutes due to thunderstorms, Telasco Segovia also got on the scoresheet for Inter Miami. Rafa Llorente added another goal for the visitors, but it wasn't enough to threaten Miami's eight-game unbeaten streak.
The two goals against San Luis brought Messi's total to 14 goals in 12 appearances in the Leagues Cup, making him the competition's all-time leading scorer. He surpassed Denis Bouanga of Los Angeles FC, who previously held the top spot.
These were also Messi's first goals since the World Cup final, where his Argentina was defeated by Spain 1-0. In the previous match against Columbus Crew (2-2), he played 37 minutes as a substitute and didn't score. Noah Allen was one of the key players of the evening with three assists.
Inter Miami secured the victory without Luis Suarez, who was unavailable due to a six-match suspension. The ban followed last year's Leagues Cup final against Seattle, which Miami lost 3-0. The Uruguayan striker will also miss the rest of this year's tournament.
Messi's return in spectacular fashion confirmed that there's no expiration date for football magic, and American media have already dubbed him "the little wizard."
