Messi sizzles with record double in first start since World Cup final

Lionel Messi became the all-time leading scorer in the Leagues Cup after netting twice in Inter Miami's 4-2 victory over Atlético de San Luis today (Bangladesh time) in the 2026 edition's opening group matches.

The Argentine superstar cancelled out the visitors' early opener in the 11th minute, finishing from Noah Allen's pass before Telasco Segovia put Miami ahead.

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Photo: Reuters

Messi struck again just before half-time, once more converting an Allen assist, to take his Leagues Cup tally to 14 goals -- the most in the competition's history. Messi had helped Inter Miami win the 2023 Leagues Cup shortly after joining the club.

He also provided the corner from which Micael scored Miami's fourth goal before the break.

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Photo: Reuters

The 39-year-old was making his second appearance -- starting this time -- for Miami since helping Argentina finish runners-up at the 2026 World Cup in North America.
 

Miami's next Leagues Cup fixture is against Monterrey on Saturday.

The Leagues Cup is an annual, official soccer tournament featuring all 18 clubs from Mexico's Liga MX and 18 qualified clubs from Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States and Canada.