Messi scores twice as Miami beat San Luis 4-2

The match at Nu Stadium was delayed for 30 minutes in the second half because of lightning in the area.

Messi scored in the 11th and 44th minutes to take his Leagues Cup tally to 14 goals in 12 matches, moving one ahead of Los Angeles FC’s Denis Bouanga as the tournament’s all-time leading scorer.

Telasco Segovia and defender Micael also scored for Inter Miami, while Noah Allen provided three assists as Miami extended its unbeaten run to eight matches.

Messi returned to Miami’s starting lineup for his second appearance since the World Cup. He played 37 minutes as a substitute in Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Columbus Crew after missing the scoresheet.

It did not take Messi long to make an impact against San Luis. David Rodríguez put San Luis ahead with a header four minutes into the match, but Messi equalized in the 11th minute with a long cross from Allen that went past goalkeeper Andrés Sánchez.

Messi then scored from close range late in the first half. He also assisted Micael’s stoppage-time header.

Rafa Llorente scored San Luis’ other goal.

Messi led Inter Miami to the Leagues Cup title in 2023 shortly after joining the club. Miami reached the final again last year but lost 3-0 to Seattle in a match that ended with a brawl involving Luis Suárez.

Suárez was suspended for six matches by the tournament after the incident and was unavailable for Wednesday’s match. He will also miss this year’s Leagues Cup. The veteran forward had scored seven goals in his previous four matches, reports UNB.