Lionel Messi Scores Twice as Inter Miami Beats Atlético San Luis 4-2/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Lionel Messi scored his first two goals since the World Cup as Inter Miami rallied to defeat Atlético San Luis 4-2 in the Leagues Cup. The 39-year-old moved into first place on the tournament’s career scoring list with 14 goals in 12 matches. Telasco Segovia and Micael also scored as Miami extended its unbeaten streak to eight games despite Luis Suárez’s suspension.
MIAMI — Lionel Messi scored twice as Inter Miami overcame an early deficit to defeat Atlético San Luis 4-2 in the Leagues Cup on Wednesday.
The goals were Messi’s first since playing for Argentina at the World Cup.
The victory extended Miami’s unbeaten streak to eight matches.
Heavy rain affected the match at Nu Stadium.
Officials delayed play for 30 minutes during the second half because of lightning near the stadium.
Miami maintained control after the interruption and completed its comeback victory.
Atlético San Luis took the lead just four minutes into the match.
David Rodríguez headed the ball into the net to give the Mexican club an early advantage.
Miami responded quickly, with Messi producing the equalizer seven minutes later.
Messi scored his first goal in the 11th minute.
He converted a long cross from Noah Allen, sending the ball past San Luis goalkeeper Andrés Sánchez.
Messi added his second goal from close range in the 44th minute to put Miami ahead before halftime.
The two goals gave Messi 14 in 12 career Leagues Cup matches.
He moved ahead of Los Angeles FC forward Denis Bouanga, who has 13 goals.
Messi now holds the career scoring lead in the tournament’s four-year history.
Telasco Segovia and defender Micael also scored for Inter Miami.
Allen finished the match with three assists, playing a central role in Miami’s attack.
Messi assisted Micael’s headed goal during second-half stoppage time.
Rafa Llorente scored San Luis’ second goal.
Messi started for Miami in his second match since the World Cup.
He led Argentina to its second consecutive World Cup final, but La Albiceleste lost 1-0 to Spain.
The 39-year-old made his return to club competition Saturday, playing 37 minutes as a substitute in Miami’s 2-2 draw against the Columbus Crew.
He did not score in that match but quickly rediscovered his finishing touch against San Luis.
Messi led Inter Miami to the Leagues Cup championship in 2023 shortly after joining the club.
The trophy was his first with Miami and the club’s first major title.
Inter Miami returned to the final in 2025 but lost 3-0 to the Seattle Sounders.
The 2025 final ended with a confrontation involving Miami forward Luis Suárez.
Suárez appeared to spit toward a member of Seattle’s staff and grabbed at least one Sounders player by the neck during the altercation.
Tournament officials issued him a six-match suspension.
As a result, Suárez was unavailable Wednesday and will not participate in this year’s Leagues Cup.
His absence is significant because he has scored seven goals in his past four matches.
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