Lionel Messi announced his full return to Inter Miami with a signature performance, scoring twice and adding an assist as the Herons overcame an early deficit to defeat Atlético San Luis 4-2 in their 2026 Leagues Cup opener at Nu Stadium.

Playing his first start since Argentina’s World Cup final appearance, the 39-year-old captain wasted little time reminding everyone of his brilliance.

San Luis took a shock lead in the fourth minute through David Rodríguez’s header, but Messi leveled in the 11th. Receiving a cross from Noah Allen, he produced an exquisite first-time volley into the top corner for his first goal since the World Cup.

Inter Miami seized control midway through the half. Allen again provided the service, this time for Telasco Segovia to make it 2-1 in the 26th minute. Messi then struck the decisive blow just before the break, finishing another Allen cross from close range in the 44th minute. The goal made him the all-time leading scorer in Leagues Cup history with 14 goals, surpassing LAFC’s Denis Bouanga. Deep into first-half stoppage time, Messi delivered a corner that Micael headed home for a 4-1 lead.

Allen finished with three assists, while Messi’s contribution of two goals and one assist powered the first-half surge. San Luis pulled one back early in the second half through Rafa Llorente (or similar reports of a long-range strike), but a weather delay caused by lightning and rain halted momentum. Inter Miami managed the remainder of the contest to secure the three points.

The result extends Inter Miami’s strong form and positions the 2023 Leagues Cup champions well for another deep run. For Messi, it was a statement performance after limited minutes in a recent MLS draw. His clinical finishing and vision once again proved decisive, underlining why he remains the central figure for both club and the tournament.

Inter Miami will look to build on this opening success as the Leagues Cup continues, with their talismanic captain clearly back to his best.