Lionel Messi delivered a heart-stopping performance, capping Inter Miami’s 2-1 Leagues Cup opener against Atlas with a breathtaking assist in the final seconds of stoppage time. The Argentine superstar, fresh off a one-match MLS suspension for skipping the All-Star game, set up Marcelo Weigandt for the game-winning goal in the 96th minute, confirmed by VAR after an initial offside call.
Messi also provided the assist for Telasco Segovia’s opener in the 58th minute, threading a precise pass after receiving a through ball from Sergio Busquets. Atlas’ Rivaldo Lozano equalized in the 80th minute, setting the stage for Messi’s late heroics at Chase Stadium, where fireworks erupted as fans celebrated the dramatic finish.
“It’s a competition we always do well in,” Messi said post-match on Apple TV. “We did a great job against a great team.” His performance added to his July brilliance, having earned MLS Player of the Month honors with eight goals and five assists.
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The match saw tensions flare, with a brief sideline clash between Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano and Atlas coach Gonzalo Pineda after a disputed play. Pineda downplayed the incident, calling it a “soccer situation.” Miami’s goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo shone with three first-half saves, while Luis Suárez struck the crossbar just before halftime.
Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, Messi’s national team teammate, made his Inter Miami debut after signing last week. Pineda noted Messi’s uncharacteristic fist-pumping celebration, surprising for a player of his experience. Mascherano explained, “We play to win. The way we celebrated is just a way to vent how we felt after an epic finish.”
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