(Football results) - Lionel Messi shone brilliantly with a brace and an assist, helping Inter Miami come from behind to defeat Atl San Luis 4-2 in their opening match of the 2026 Leagues Cup, despite the home side conceding as early as the 3rd minute.
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Inter Miami made an impressive start to the 2026 Leagues Cup by defeating Atl San Luis 4-2 at home. Despite falling behind unexpectedly early, Lionel Messi's team showed superior class to mount a convincing comeback, securing all three points on opening day.
As expected, Inter Miami dominated possession and took the initiative in attack. However, Atl San Luis were the ones to spring a surprise when Rodriguez headed them ahead in the 3rd minute. The early goal did not unsettle the MLS side. Just seven minutes later, Messi was in the right place in the box to fire a one-touch equalizer, before Segovia completed the turnaround with a powerful finish in the 25th minute.
The final minutes of the first half saw an explosive display from the Inter Miami captain. In the 43rd minute, Messi deftly controlled the ball in the box and fired decisively to make it 3-1. Then, in the last minute of stoppage time, the Argentine superstar left his mark again with a precise corner kick that Micael headed home, closing the first half with a 4-1 advantage for the hosts.
In the second half, Atl San Luis played with great determination and pulled one back in the 51st minute through a beautiful curling shot from Sergio, reducing the deficit to 2-4. The Liga MX side then pushed forward relentlessly, putting significant pressure on Inter Miami's goal, especially in the final 20 minutes. However, the home defense held firm to preserve the victory.
With the match ending 4-2, Inter Miami had a perfect opening in the 2026 Leagues Cup. Lionel Messi once again proved his pivotal role, directly contributing to three of the four goals, becoming the standout figure in the American team's most convincing start to their title quest.
90' + 6 Match ends with a 4-2 victory for Inter Miami
78' Dominating the game
San Luis are flooding into the opponent's half to launch continuous attacks. Inter Miami's goal is repeatedly under threat.
67' Continuous attacks
Despite tirelessly mounting attacks to find a goal and reduce the deficit, San Luis are still struggling against the solid play of Messi and his teammates.
51' Super goal!!!
Sergio unleashes a flawless curler from outside the box to pull one back for San Luis, making it 2-4. The match is wide open.
46' Second half begins
San Luis kick off
45' + 7 Messi assist!!!
In the last minute of first-half stoppage time, from Messi's corner kick, Micael leaped high to head powerfully, leaving goalkeeper Sanchez helpless, making it 4-1 for Inter Miami.
43' Messiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
Receiving a good pass from a teammate, Messi skillfully controlled the ball inside the box and unleashed a decisive shot that ripped through San Luis's net, making it 3-1 for Inter Miami.
36' Fiery end-to-end action
Both Inter Miami and San Luis are pushing high up the pitch to launch continuous attacks on each other's goal. The match is incredibly exciting.
25' Goooal
From a beautiful combination down the left flank. The ball was delivered into the box with great danger, and Segovia was in the right place to smash it home, making it 2-1 for Inter Miami.
10' Messiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
From an attack down the left, the ball was played into the box just as Messi surged forward, and the Inter Miami captain fired a classy one-touch finish to level the score at 1-1. The goal immediately ignited the stadium.
3' Goooooal
From a good cross by a teammate, Rodriguez made a smart run and unleashed a decisive header that beat Inter Miami's goalkeeper, opening the scoring. The score is 1-0 for Atl San Luis.
1' Match starts
The match begins and Inter Miami kick off.
Inter Miami's starting lineup:
Inter Miami will begin their 2026 Leagues Cup campaign by hosting Atl San Luis at home, in a match expected to mark an impressive debut for the MLS side. With home advantage and a quality squad, Lionel Messi's team are considered favorites against the Liga MX opponent.
Messi remains the biggest hope on Inter Miami's attack thanks to his ability to create chances, dictate play, and decide matches with moments of brilliance. Besides the Argentine superstar, the hosts also boast several experienced players, helping them maintain control and apply constant pressure. However, pushing high up the pitch often leaves gaps at the back, giving opponents chances to counterattack.
On the other hand, Atl San Luis do not have many standout stars but are highly regarded for their disciplined and organized play. The Mexican side will likely prioritize a compact defense, maintain good shape, and wait for opportunities to launch quick transitions to exploit Inter Miami's defensive weaknesses.
Nevertheless, the difference in squad quality and home advantage still make Inter Miami the favorites. If Messi and his teammates make the most of their chances, the pink-clad side can certainly take all three points, though they will likely have to endure a tough match against a disciplined Atl San Luis.