GOAT! Messi lights up Inter Miami on first start since World Cup heartbreak
The 39-year-old, who almost single-handedly dragged Argentina to World Cup glory, was making his first start for Inter Miami since returning from an extended break.
Messi, who was included from the start, repaid fans who sat through a 30-minute delay due to weather conditions with a splendid performance.
Leagues Cup starts with a win 👊🏆 #MIAvASL pic.twitter.com/T6ftcfzDL3
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 6, 2026
Messi scored in the 11th and the 44th minutes. He has 14 goals in 12 Leagues Cup matches, one ahead of Los Angeles FC's Denis Bouanga for most in the tournament's four-year history.
After being held off the scoresheet against Columbus, it didn't take Messi long to make an impact on Wednesday.
MESSI SCORES A BRACE IN HIS FIRST START SINCE THE WORLD CUP 🔥
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 6, 2026
(via @LeaguesCup) pic.twitter.com/E1pgfLEsML
He fired a long cross from Allen past Andres Sanchez to equalise after David Rodriguez put San Luis ahead with a header four minutes into the match.
Messi finished from close range later in the first half and assisted on Micael's header in stoppage time.
Luis Suarez was unavailable due to a suspension that will see him miss the entire tournament, but with Messi in this type of form, Inter Miami will believe they have all it takes to go all the way.