Messi's first goals since the World Cup and a new record
The 39-year-old star scored twice and added an assist in a 4:2 victory over Atletico San Luis, becoming the all-time leading scorer of the Leagues Cup.
Lionel Messi has returned to his scoring ways. The Argentine star netted his first goals on Wednesday night since the 2026 World Cup final, leading Inter Miami to a 4:2 comeback victory over Atletico San Luis in the Leagues Cup. With this performance, he became the all-time leading scorer of the tournament with 14 goals.
The match, held at Nu Stadium, was interrupted for about half an hour during the second half due to lightning storms. Messi, who scored in the 11th and 44th minutes, brought his tally to 14 goals in 12 Leagues Cup appearances, setting an all-time tournament record. He surpassed Denis Bouanga of Los Angeles FC, who previously held the record with 13 goals. Telasco Segovia (26th minute) and Mikael (45+7) added two more goals for Inter Miami, while Noah Allen provided three assists. The team has now extended its unbeaten streak to eight games.
This was Messi's second match since the World Cup, where he led Argentina to a second consecutive final. After failing to score against Columbus last Saturday, Messi wasted no time finding the net. He equalized in the 11th minute—following David Rodriguez's 4th-minute opener—by connecting with a cross from Noah Allen to beat goalkeeper Andres Sanchez. Later in the first half, he completed a brace from close range and provided an assist to Mikael in stoppage time. Rafa Llorente later narrowed the gap for San Luis.
