MIAMI — Lionel Messi scored twice in his return to Inter Miami’s starting lineup Wednesday, helping the club overcome an early deficit and beat Atlético San Luis, 4-2, in the Leagues Cup.
Messi scored in the 11th and 44th minutes at Nu Stadium to give him 14 goals in 12 Leagues Cup appearances, moving him past Los Angeles FC’s Denis Bouanga for the most goals in the tournament’s history.
Telasco Segovia and defender Micael also scored for Inter Miami, while Noah Allen recorded three assists. The victory extended Miami’s unbeaten run to eight matches.
David Rodríguez put Atlético San Luis ahead with a header in the fourth minute before Messi equalized seven minutes later with a long cross from Allen that beat goalkeeper Andrés Sánchez.
Messi then scored from close range before halftime. He later assisted Micael’s stoppage-time header.
Rafa Llorente scored San Luis’ other goal.
Lightning in the area delayed the second half for 30 minutes.
Messi returned to Miami’s starting lineup for his second appearance since the World Cup. The 39-year-old forward played 37 minutes as a substitute in Saturday’s 2-2 draw against the Columbus Crew.
Messi led Inter Miami to the Leagues Cup championship in 2023 after joining the club. Miami reached the final again last year but lost 3-0 to Seattle.
Inter Miami played without Luis Suárez, who received a six-match tournament suspension following a confrontation during last year’s final. Suárez has scored seven goals in his last four matches but will miss this year’s Leagues Cup.