Messi scores his first goals since the World Cup in Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup win

For the first time since the World Cup, Lionel Messi is back on the scoresheet. And he’s done it in a competition he has previously owned.Messi scored twice in Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup-opening 4-2 win over Atlético San Luis. He also added an assist in his club’s first opening-phase game of the competition pitting MLS clubs against Liga MX counterparts. It was in the 2023 Leagues Cup that Messi made his Miami debut in storybook fashion, scoring on a free kick in stoppage time to deliver his new club a win over Cruz Azul.Three years later, neither the stakes nor the scenes were that dramatic, but after Miami blew a lead and settled for a draw in Messi’s return to MLS play over the weekend, Wednesday night’s triumph will be a welcome development.Messi scored Miami’s first in the 11th minute with a beautiful first-time volley off Noah Allen’s cross from the left. After an early Miami concession, Messi’s goal brought the hosts level.

NOAH 🤝 LEO. Vamossss 🩷 pic.twitter.com/n7L06nmqbQ

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 6, 2026In the 44th minute, Messi struck again to give Miami a 3-1 lead. Again it was off a cross from the left by Allen, with Yannick Bright’s dummy leaving Messi with enough time and space from close range to pick out his spot.