Messi scores twice in Leagues Cup return, claims all-time scoring record

Messi's return to the scoresheet

Lionel Messi scored twice and added an assist in Inter Miami's 4-2 Leagues Cup opening win over Mexican side Atlético San Luis on Wednesday night, his first start since the World Cup final. The 39-year-old Argentine, an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, struck in the 11th minute with a first-time volley off Noah Allen's cross from the left, cancelling an early concession to bring the hosts level at 1-1. In the 44th minute, Messi struck again to give Miami a 3-1 lead, again from an Allen cross, with Yannick Bright's dummy leaving him time and space from close range. Just before halftime, Messi delivered a corner kick that defender Micael headed in to make it 4-1 at the break. San Luis scored once more in the second half for a 4-2 final scoreline.

The match came less than three weeks after Messi's defeat in the World Cup final. It followed a weekend MLS return in which Miami blew a lead and settled for a draw. Wednesday's win offered a sharper response, with Inter Miami controlling the first half against the Liga MX visitors and building a comfortable cushion before halftime. Messi's two finishes were a volley with the instep and a powerful strike into the roof of the net.

Record chase

Messi's brace brought his career Leagues Cup total to 14 goals, surpassing LAFC's Denis Bouanga, who has 13, to become the competition's all-time leading scorer. The New York Times, however, reports that Bouanga later matched Messi's 14-goal total in a separate fixture against Chivas Guadalajara on the same night.

Of Messi's 14 career Leagues Cup goals, 10 came in the 2023 tournament, which he won with Inter Miami shortly after arriving in the United States. That debut edition saw him score a stoppage-time free kick against Cruz Azul in his first appearance for the club. The Leagues Cup, created in 2019, pits 18 MLS qualifiers against all 18 Liga MX teams in a single-table opening phase spanning the first three games, with clubs playing only opponents from the opposite league.

What's next

Inter Miami's next Leagues Cup match comes Saturday against Monterrey, who opened their campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Orlando City on Wednesday. Monterrey recently added forward Diego Rossi and striker Hugo Cuypers from the MLS transfer market. Cuypers remains tied for the MLS league lead with 13 goals following his scoring run with the Chicago Fire before the World Cup. Orlando's victory over Monterrey featured a goal from new signing Antoine Griezmann.

Miami's final opening-phase match is scheduled for next Wednesday against León, who earned a 1-0 victory over MLS Supporters' Shield leader Nashville SC in their opener. Messi will have the chance to add to his Leagues Cup tally of 14 against both opponents.