Messi’s Double Powers Inter Miami Past San Luis in Rain-Delayed Leagues Cup Opener
In a thrilling encounter at Nu Stadium, Inter Miami opened their Leagues Cup campaign with a hard-fought 4-2 victory over Atlético San Luis, thanks to a stellar performance from Lionel Messi. The Argentine superstar scored his first two goals since the World Cup, also providing an assist, as Miami overcame an early deficit on a rainy Wednesday night. The match, however, was not without its drama, as a lightning delay of nearly 30 minutes in the second half tested the players’ focus and composure.
Messi wasted no time making his mark, netting his first goal in the 11th minute to level the score after San Luis had taken an early lead. He then struck again just before halftime in the 44th minute, giving Miami a lead they would not relinquish. With these goals, Messi also took the career scoring lead in the Leagues Cup, further cementing his legacy in the competition. His influence was felt throughout, as he orchestrated attacks and created opportunities for his teammates, showcasing why he remains one of the game’s greatest talents.
The match was a testament to Inter Miami’s resilience, especially after the lengthy delay. Head coach Guillermo Hoyos praised his team’s effort, stating, “We’re very grateful for all the effort the players put in, and for this victory, which is very important for us.” The team managed the remaining stages of the contest effectively, preserving their lead and securing a crucial win to start their group stage. The victory was powered by Messi’s two goals and an assist, with the over/under set at 3 goals, a mark that was comfortably surpassed.
For United Kingdom fans, this match highlighted the growing global appeal of the Leagues Cup and the continued brilliance of Messi on the international stage. Despite the adverse weather conditions and the interruption, Inter Miami demonstrated their championship pedigree, and with Messi in this form, they will be a formidable force in the tournament. As the Leagues Cup progresses, all eyes will be on Miami and their talismanic captain to see if they can carry this momentum to glory.
Shimanta Das 
