Lionel Messi and Inter Miami have begun their 2025 Leagues Cup journey with three crucial points, defeating Liga MX side Atlas 2-1 on Wednesday evening in Southern Florida.
Rodrigo De Paul, newly acquired from Atletico Madrid, made his highly anticipated debut, being inserted into the XI after just being cleared to play earlier in the day. The 31-year-old played an exceptional match, fitting perfectly alongside a truly outstanding Sergio Busquets on the day.
However, Messi - as it has been all season - was again the catalyst.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner bagged the assist on each strike for the Herons, leading them to an important victory in their first of three Phase One matches in the competition.
The contest itself was a contentious one, and Atlas forced Miami into a corner multiple times, but the resilience of the Argentine superstar led Miami to the win in front of their home crowd.
After a scoreless first 45 minutes, the two teams went into the halftime break in what was seemingly an even deadlock. Miami striker Luis Suarez had hit the post, but Atlas forced two great saves out of Rocco Ríos Novo as well.
Things opened up in the 60th minute. Busquets played a dime of a pass to Messi, who laid it off to winger Telasco Segovia with his first touch to open the scoring. Without Atlas' defense being stout, the Herons appeared fine to settle for a 1-0 win - that was until Atlas took advantage of a quick counter-attack with 10 minutes to spare. Defenders Marcelo Weigandt and Maxi Falcon were both beaten, and the Liga MX side found an equalizer through forward Rivaldo Lozano, who capitalized on a loose ball in the box.
With things at a stalemate headed towards the final whistle, penalties were looming, and coaches were pictured on the touchline preparing their lists for kicks from the spot. However, with what turned out to be the final play of the game, Miami drove forward one more time, and it was a doozy. Weigandt brought the ball upfield, and after a few passes, Messi was found outside the box. The Argentine played a delightful one-two with Suarez, and the 38-year-old proceeded to deliver a scintillating pass across the box to a sprinting Weigandt, who smashed home while falling to the ground.
After a lengthy VAR review, the goal stood, and Miami players swarmed each other, celebrating a crucial three points in their journey towards contending for Leagues Cup glory.
GOAL rates Inter Miami's players from Chase Stadium...
