**Messi Scores Twice as Inter Miami Defeats Atletico San Luis in Leagues Cup**
*August 6, 2026*
Lionel Messi showcased his scoring prowess on Wednesday night, netting his first two goals since the World Cup as Inter Miami triumphed over Atletico San Luis with a score of 4-2 in the Leagues Cup match held at Nu Stadium. This victory marked an important milestone for Messi, who not only contributed significantly to his team's success but also took the lead in career scoring within the Leagues Cup.
The match began with a surprising turn as Atletico San Luis took an early lead just four minutes into the game. David Rodriguez's header put the Mexican side ahead, but Inter Miami quickly responded. In the 11th minute, Messi equalized with a well-placed long cross from teammate Noah Allen, which he skillfully directed past San Luis goalkeeper Andres Sanchez.
Messi's impact on the game continued as he scored again in the 44th minute, finishing from close range to give Miami a 2-1 lead before halftime. The Argentine superstar's performance was further highlighted when he assisted Micael's header during stoppage time, contributing to a commanding first-half display from Inter Miami.
In addition to Messi's two goals, Telasco Segovia also found the back of the net for Miami, helping the team to extend their unbeaten streak to eight matches. The match was briefly interrupted in the second half due to lightning in the area, delaying play for approximately 30 minutes.
Rafa Llorente managed to score for Atletico San Luis, but it was not enough to overcome the deficit created by Miami's offensive display. With this match, Messi has now scored 14 goals in just 12 Leagues Cup matches, placing him one goal ahead of Denis Bouanga from Los Angeles FC for the most goals in the tournament's four-year history.
Messi's return to form comes after a brief hiatus following the World Cup, where he led Argentina to the finals, ultimately falling to Spain in a closely contested match. Prior to this game, Messi had played 37 minutes as a substitute in a 2-2 draw against the Columbus Crew, where he was unable to score.
The victory not only highlights Messi's significant contributions to Inter Miami but also reinforces the team's competitive spirit in the Leagues Cup. The club had previously claimed the Leagues Cup title in 2023 shortly after Messi's arrival, and they reached the finals again last year, although they faced a setback against Seattle in a match marred by a post-game brawl involving Luis Suarez.
Suarez, who has been in excellent form with seven goals in his last four matches, was unavailable for Wednesday's game due to a six-match suspension stemming from the altercation in the previous year's tournament.
As Inter Miami continues its campaign in the Leagues Cup, Messi's performance will be crucial in their pursuit of another title. The team and its fans will be looking forward to seeing how the legendary forward can further elevate their chances in the tournament.