In a thrilling Leagues Cup 2025 opener, Lionel Messi once again reminded the football world why he’s still the game’s biggest difference-maker. With two stunning assists, including a last-minute game-winner, Messi powered Inter Miami to a dramatic 2-1 win over Mexico’s Atlas FC at Chase Stadium.
Messi the Playmaker: Two Assists That Changed Everything
Fresh off a return from suspension, Messi didn’t miss a beat. In fact, he elevated Inter Miami’s performance when it mattered most:
- First Assist (58th minute): Messi found Telasco Segovia with a perfectly timed through ball, allowing the Venezuelan midfielder to slot home and give Miami a 1-0 lead.
- Second Assist (96th minute): In stoppage time, with the match level, Messi delivered a pinpoint cross to Marcelo Weigandt, whose finish was initially ruled offside. But after a tense VAR review, the goal was confirmed—sealing the victory in dramatic fashion.
It was Messi’s fifth assist of July, adding to his already impressive haul of eight league goals this month, solidifying his claim as MLS Player of the Month.
Messi’s Celebration: A Statement to Rivals
After the winning goal stood, Messi didn’t just celebrate with teammates—he turned toward the Atlas players, locking eyes with the stunned defense in a rare moment of bold defiance. It was a powerful image: Messi celebrating in the face of those who tried to stop him, sending a clear message that he remains undeniably elite, even in his late 30s.
That fiery moment followed a temporary setback in the 82nd minute, when Rivaldo Lozano equalized for Atlas, silencing the Miami crowd. But Messi’s response was classic: calm, clinical, and ruthless in the final moments.
¡Como pibe! 😍⚽️ Messi's celebration after the last-minute goal!#LeaguesCup pic.twitter.com/oP9hjBhm43
— Leagues Cup (@LeaguesCup) July 31, 2025
Impact of Messi, Alba, Busquets & Suarez: A Veteran Core Leading the Charge
This game also marked the return of Jordi Alba, who alongside Messi brought stability and urgency to Inter Miami’s left side. With Sergio Busquets controlling the midfield and Luis Suárez offering attacking depth, this veteran core continues to prove it’s built for high-pressure matches.
And now with the addition of Rodrigo De Paul, Inter Miami’s midfield has even more creativity and bite—strengthening their push for another Leagues Cup title.
What This Win Means for Inter Miami in the 2025 Leagues Cup
Inter Miami are no strangers to high-stakes Leagues Cup action, having won the tournament in 2023. This victory sends a strong message: they’re here to reclaim the crown. With Messi leading the charge and a deep squad around him, Miami are early favorites to go all the way again.
Up next, they’ll face Necaxa and Pumas, two tough Liga MX opponents. If their performance against Atlas is anything to go by, Inter Miami are primed to dominate their group and make another deep tournament run.
Messi Is Still the Moment
Even as new stars emerge across world football, Lionel Messi continues to redefine what greatness looks like. Two assists. A last-minute winner. A celebration that silenced rivals. And another win that lifts Inter Miami closer to Leagues Cup glory.
In matches like these, Messi doesn’t just play — he authors moments that define seasons.
Stay tuned for more Inter Miami updates, Leagues Cup coverage, and everything Messi—right here.
