Messi scores twice to set Leagues Cup record in Miami victory

Football
By AFP | Aug 06, 2026
Inter Miami's Argentine forward Lionel Messi (C), San Luis' midfielder Oscar Macias (2nd-R) and Inter Miami's Italian midfielder Yannick Bright eye the ball during the Leagues Cup 2026 group-stage at Nu Stadium in Miami, Florida, on August 5, 2026. [CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP]

Lionel Messi scored twice on Wednesday to become the Leagues Cup's record goalscorer as Inter Miami beat Atletico San Luis 4-2 at home in the 2026 edition's opening group matches.

Messi, who helped Miami win the 2023 crown in his first weeks with the Florida club, took his tally in the competition for Major League Soccer and Mexican Liga MX sides to  a record 14 goals.

David Rodriguez gave San Luis the lead in the fourth minute but Messi equalised seven minutes later.

Venezuelan midfielder Telasco Segovia edged Miami ahead in the 26th minute.

Messi struck again just before half-time with Brazilian defender Micael making it 4-1 deep into first-half stoppage time.

Atletico's Rafa Llorente scored a second-half consolation.

Other Leagues Cup matches on Wednesday saw Dallas beat Queretaro 2-0 and Leon won 1-0 at Nashville.

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