Messi’s Brace Powers Inter Miami to Victory Over San Luis in Leagues Cup Opener
In a thrilling encounter at DRV PNK Stadium, Inter Miami kicked off their Leagues Cup campaign with a 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, taking the career scoring lead in the competition. The match, delayed by 30 minutes due to lightning in the second half, saw Messi find the back of the net in the 11th and 44th minutes, setting the tone for a dominant display.
Despite the early setback of conceding a goal, Inter Miami responded with resilience. Messi’s quick equalizer and subsequent strike before halftime gave the home side a comfortable lead. The team’s head coach, Guillermo Hoyos, praised his players’ effort, saying, “We’re very grateful for all the effort the players put in, and for this victory, which is very important for us.” The match resumed after the weather delay, and Inter Miami managed the remaining stages effectively to secure the win.
However, there is a lingering concern for Inter Miami. In the previous edition of the Leagues Cup, they suffered a 3-0 defeat to Seattle Sounders in the final, and Messi was sent off and subsequently suspended for six matches in the tournament. That suspension begins now, meaning Messi will miss the upcoming group stage matches. This adds a layer of complexity to Inter Miami’s campaign, as they will need to navigate without their talisman.
The match was intense, with both teams creating opportunities. San Luis pushed for goals, but Inter Miami’s defense held firm. The victory is a positive start for Inter Miami, but they will need to adapt quickly without Messi in the coming games. As the Leagues Cup progresses, all eyes will be on how the team copes with this challenge and whether they can build on this momentum.
Shimanta Das 
