Messi nets two as Inter Miami beat Atlético San Luis 4-2 in Leagues Cup opener

Lionel Messi scored twice as Inter Miami defeated Atlético San Luis 4-2 at Nu Stadium in Miami in a Leagues Cup Phase One group match on August 5, 2026. The pair of goals took Messi's total in the competition to a record 14 Leagues Cup goals.

The game was part of the opening group matches of the 2026 Leagues Cup, a tournament featuring Major League Soccer and Mexican Liga MX clubs. Messi had previously helped Inter Miami win the 2023 Leagues Cup in his first weeks with the Florida club. The match at Nu Stadium served as one of the early fixtures in this edition's Phase One schedule.

Atlético San Luis opened the scoring when David Rodriguez struck in the fourth minute. Messi levelled seven minutes later to restore parity for Miami. Venezuelan midfielder Telasco Segovia then put Inter Miami ahead in the 26th minute.

Messi added a second just before half-time to extend Miami's lead. Brazilian defender Micael then made it 4-1 deep into first-half stoppage time. Those three goals left Inter Miami 4-1 up at the interval.

Atlético San Luis reduced the deficit in the second half when Rafa Llorente scored a consolation for the visitors. The match finished 4-2 in favour of Inter Miami. Oscar Macías, listed as number 21 for Atlético San Luis, was among the players contesting possession against Messi during the match.

The result came in the Leagues Cup's opening group stage for the 2026 edition; other matches on Wednesday saw Dallas defeat Querétaro 2-0 and León win 1-0 at Nashville.