MIAMI (Agencies): Lionel Messi delivered a dramatic stoppage-time assist to lift Inter Miami to a 2-1 victory over Atlas FC in their Leagues Cup opener on Wednesday night.
In his return from suspension—imposed by Major League Soccer (MLS) for skipping the All-Star Game along with teammate Jordi Alba—Messi made an immediate impact. The Argentine star assisted on both of Miami’s goals, including the 96th-minute winner scored by Marcelo Weigandt, sealing a thrilling victory at the death.
Earlier, Messi had set up Telasco Segovia’s goal in the 58th minute, which broke the deadlock. Atlas equalized through Rivaldo Lozano in the 82nd, setting up a tense finish.
Weigandt’s late goal initially appeared to be ruled offside, but after VAR review, it was confirmed, igniting celebrations at Chase Stadium.
With these two assists, Messi now has five assists in July, to go along with eight goals, earning him MLS Player of the Month honors. His efforts have helped Miami to a 4-1-1 record in league play over the past month.
The match featured a competitive and physical first half, though neither side was able to find the back of the net. Inter Miami’s goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo made three key saves, including a critical stop on Eduardo Aguirre’s header to the back post.
Luis Suárez nearly opened the scoring just before halftime but saw his powerful shot ricochet off the crossbar.
Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, a longtime teammate of Messi with the national team, made his Inter Miami debut after officially signing with the club last week.
The addition of De Paul adds further depth to a Miami squad that has been steadily climbing the ranks under Messi’s leadership.
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