Lionel Messi made the perfect return to Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup campaign, scoring twice as the defending champions opened their 2026 tournament with a 4-2 win over Atlético de San Luis.
The result matters, but Messi’s performance may be even more important for Miami. After missing time following Argentina’s World Cup final, the 39-year-old returned to the starting lineup and immediately looked like the player Inter Miami will need if they are serious about going deep into another tournament.
Messi scored in the first half, including a goal just before the break that helped Miami take control after San Luis had initially gone ahead. Telasco Segovia and Micael also found the net as Miami built a four-goal lead before San Luis pulled two goals back.
The bigger story is what Messi’s return could mean for Inter Miami over the next few weeks. Miami are coming into the tournament with expectations. They were runners-up in the 2025 Leagues Cup and have already established themselves as one of the competition’s biggest attractions because of Messi. This time, the goal will be to go one step further.
And Miami have added another major name to their squad. Casemiro, who joined as a free agent this summer, started alongside Rodrigo De Paul in midfield. His presence gives Miami another experienced player who has spent years competing at the highest level.
That combination could become increasingly important as the tournament gets tougher. Messi remains the headline, but Miami cannot rely on him producing moments of brilliance every night. The early signs from this match suggest there is enough experience around him to give the team more balance.
For Messi personally, the brace also adds another milestone to an extraordinary career. He became the all-time leading scorer in Leagues Cup history, while continuing his march towards 1,000 career goals.
The tournament is still only beginning, though. Miami’s opening win gives them momentum, but the real test will come against stronger opposition. If Messi maintains this form and the new-look midfield settles quickly, Inter Miami could once again become one of the teams everyone wants to avoid.
Messi is back, Casemiro is alongside him, and Miami have made their intentions clear: they want the Leagues Cup this time.
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