Lionel Messi shines brightly, Inter Miami wins first

(Dan Tri) - In the opening match of the Leagues Cup, Inter Miami won against Mexico's Atlas Club with a score of 2-1.

Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba return after serving a one-match suspension from Major League Soccer (MLS). Inter Miami also introduced new signing Rodrigo De Paul in the League Cup match against Atlas at Chase Stadium.

Messi shone when he contributed two assists to help Inter Miami win against Atlas (Photo: Reuters).

This is an annual friendly tournament between 18 MLS teams and 18 Mexican teams. In the group stage, each team will face three teams from the other league. The eight teams with the best records in the U.S. and Mexican leagues will then advance to the quarterfinals.

In the opening match against Atlas, Inter Miami started the game cautiously. The tight schedule did not allow the American team to get into the game quickly from the start. During the first 45 minutes, the two teams did not create any clear chances.

In the 58th minute, Messi made the difference for Inter Miami. From a through ball from his teammate, the Argentine superstar ran down and passed the ball to Segovia who easily put the ball into the empty net to open the score.

Atlas then went all out on the attack. They were successful in getting the equalizer in the 80th minute, with Lozano quickly finishing the ball into the Inter Miami net after a chaotic situation in the penalty area.

Inter Miami won their opening match of the Leagues Cup (Photo: Goal).

Not accepting the draw, Inter Miami pressed forward with a strong attack. By the 90+6 minute, the Florida team had succeeded. Messi was still the factor that changed the game. The Argentine player initiated the attack, before breaking away to make a cross pass for teammate Weigandt to score the final goal of 2-1.

On August 2, Inter Miami will face Necaxa on August 2, before meeting Pumas Unam on August 6.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/lionel-messi-toa-sang-ruc-ro-inter-miami-gianh-chien-thang-dau-tien-20250731140237643.htm