Lionel Messi picked up right where he left off. In his first start for Inter Miami since returning from the World Cup, the Argentine scored twice and set up another goal as the Herons rallied past Atlético de San Luis 4-2 in their 2026 Leagues Cup opener on Aug. 6 at Nu Stadium.
The full match highlights, posted to the Leagues Cup’s official channel, show the sequence fans will be replaying all month: Messi arriving at full sprint to volley home a cross from Noah Allen, then later tiptoeing through two defenders to bury a close-range finish after an intricate buildup. In between, his outswinging corner found Micael for a header, while Telasco Segovia added another for Miami. David Rodríguez and Rafael Llorente scored for the Mexican side.
A Record and a New Home
The brace carried historic weight. Messi became the all-time leading scorer in Leagues Cup history with 14 goals, moving one clear of LAFC forward Denis Bouanga in the cross-border tournament between MLS and Liga MX clubs.
The night also showcased the club’s new stage. Nu Stadium, the 26,700-seat centerpiece of the Miami Freedom Park development, opened in April as Inter Miami’s permanent home after years at the club’s temporary Fort Lauderdale grounds, and its sweeping canopy, the largest in Major League Soccer, frames nearly every aerial shot in the highlight reel.
Head coach Guillermo Hoyos said afterward that the club was happy with the result and grateful for the players’ effort in a match Miami had to chase after falling behind early.
The win opened Phase One play for Miami, which returned to Nu Stadium two days later to face CF Monterrey. For fans tracking the bigger picture, Messi’s post-World Cup form, two goals and an assist in 90 minutes, suggests the 39-year-old has no interest in easing into the back half of the MLS season.
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