Lionel Messi once again delivered a masterclass in creativity and composure, assisting both goals in Inter Miami’s 2-1 victory over Atlas during the Leagues Cup group stage opener in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday night. The Argentine star’s brilliance proved decisive as the Herons clinched a stoppage-time winner to grab all three points.
In a tightly contested match, Inter Miami opened the scoring in the 57th minute when Sergio Busquets found Messi inside the box. With his trademark calmness, Messi squared the ball to Telasco Segovia, who slotted it home despite a slight stumble.
Atlas equalized in the 80th minute through José Lozano, who capitalized on a chaotic scramble near the Miami goal. But Messi had the last word. In the sixth minute of added time, he threaded a low cross to Marcelo Weigandt, who tapped in from close range, sparking celebrations at Chase Stadium.
Other Leagues Cup Highlights:
- Minnesota United 4–1 Queretaro (Saint Paul):
The Loons dominated early, with Bongokuhle Hlongwane and Kelvin Yeboah netting in the first 20 minutes. Despite a Queretaro fightback through Jhojan Julio, Minnesota regained control with late goals from Anthony Markanich and Tani Oluwaseyi. Angel Zapata was sent off in the 87th minute. - Necaxa 3–1 Atlanta United (Atlanta):
Tomas Badaloni led Necaxa with two second-half goals, including a powerful header in the 77th minute. Atlanta’s lone goal came from Alexey Miranchuk, following an early own goal by goalkeeper Brad Guzan. - Pumas 1(4)–1(3) Orlando City (Orlando):
Adalberto Carrasquilla was the star, scoring the equalizer in the 80th minute and then netting the winning penalty in the shootout. Goalkeeper Keylor Navas made key saves, and the match highlighted Pumas’ resilience. - Real Salt Lake 3(3)–3(2) Club America (Sandy, Utah):
Despite a dramatic equalizer by Erick Sanchez deep into stoppage time, Salt Lake triumphed in penalties. Goalkeeper Rafael Cabral made three crucial saves in the shootout to seal the win. - Portland Timbers 4–0 Atletico de San Luis (Portland):
David Da Costa scored just 36 seconds into the match, setting the tone for a dominant Timbers performance. Kevin Kelsy, Ariel Lassiter, and Felipe Mora all added goals, while goalkeeper James Pantemis earned a clean sheet with six saves.
