Lionel Messi marked his return to the Inter Miami starting XI with two brilliant goals the first of which was compared to a Picasso painting as the Florida side opened their Leagues Cup campaign with a 4-2 win over Atletico de San Luis. Argentina captain Messi played for 39 minutes off the bench in the weekend draw with Columbus in MLS but, on his first start since the World Cup final, he was the stand-out player in an entertaining game at Nu Stadium.David Rodriguezs header handed the Mexican visitors a fourth-minute lead but Messi responded in trademark style, volleying home Noah Allens cross from the left.It was a wonderful finish that had Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos purring. Hoyos said: Those of us who have played football know what it takes to find the time and space to connect, meeting a cross coming from left to right and hitting it cleanly on the volley with his left foot. If we were talking about painting, it would be Picasso.Table of ContentsMessi scores again to break another recordMessi is the greatest San Luis boss MejiaMessi scores again to break another recordTelasco Segovia made it 2-1 to Miami and Messi added a third after 44 minutes, firing high into the net after Allens pass was dummied by Yannick Bright.It was the former Barcelona stars 14th goal since the Leagues Cup was expanded in 2023, making him the highest scorer in the competition.Messi then turned provider as his left-wing corner was headed home by Micael on the stroke of half-time.Rafa Llorente cut the deficit following a weather delay but Miami held on despite substitute Mateo Silvetti having to go off with a dislocated shoulder.Messi is the greatest San Luis boss MejiaIt was a sobering night for San Luis but coach Diego Mejia defended his sides attacking approach and said there was little his players could do in the face of Messis genius.If Messi plays on the counter, hes the best; if you sit deep and give him too much time on the ball, hes also the best, Meja said. So, my decision was for us to stick to our identity. We look at the bigger picture, of course, but were talking about the greatest player in history.Miami remain in Leagues Cup action at the weekend when they take on Monterrey on Saturday. They will again be without striker Luis Suarez, who wont play in the competition this season while he serves a six-match ban for spitting at a Seattle Sounders staff member after the 2025 final. Topics Inter Miami CF Lionel Messi Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Lionel Messi makes 80k donation to help with rebuild after Madrid fires Jon Fisher 4th August, 2026 LA Galaxy manager claims Casemiro agreed to join before late Inter Miami switch Mitch Fretton 3rd August, 2026 MLS: Casemiro scores horror own goal as Messi returns for Inter Miami and Lewandowski opens account for Chicago Fire Cian Cheesbrough 2nd August, 2026 I only joined Inter Miami to play with Lionel Messi, says Casemiro Jon Fisher 31st July, 2026 MLS round-up: Heung-Min Son scores again for LAFC and Luis Suarez hits panenka winner in Inter Miami win, Griezmann and Lewandowski fire blanks Cian Cheesbrough 26th July, 2026 MLS round-up: Inter Miami win without Messi as Griezmann and Lewandowski make debuts Mitch Fretton 23rd July, 2026
