Messi’s Inter Miami Defeat Atlas FC in Leagues Cup Opener

Inter Miami CF launched their 2025 Leagues Cup campaign in thrilling fashion, beating LIGA MX's Atlas FC 2-1 in stoppage time on the strength of right-back Marcelo Weigandt. Midfielder Telasco Segovia scored the opener, and Lionel Messi controlled proceedings from behind both goals with two instrumental assists.

The game also saw the club debut of Argentine World Cup winner Rodrigo De Paul, as well as Benjamin Cremaschi enjoying a historic milestone, becoming the first Inter Miami Academy graduate to reach 100 first-team appearances.

Inter Miami were threatening in the opening minutes with Segovia going close to opening the scoring with a seventh-minute shot that forced a deflection and just cleared the crossbar.

A golden chance arrived in the 22nd minute when Messi played a perfect ball to Allende, who cut in from the right but was thwarted by Atlas's goalkeeper at the near post.

Inter Miami goalkeeper Ríos Novo produced a star performance for his team, beginning with a spectacular diving stop in the 25th minute to deny Eduardo Aguirre's thunderous header.

Luis Suárez nearly gave the hosts the advantage just before halftime with a fierce volley in added time that hit the crossbar, leaving supporters on the edge of their seats.

The second period was dominated by Inter Miami increasing the pressure. Suárez produced another save in the 48th minute with a low cross from outside the box, and two minutes later Ríos Novo thwarted a sharp shot by Uros Djurdjevic.

The breakthrough came in the 57th minute. Sergio Busquets split the defense with a pinpoint pass to Messi, who positioned himself inside the box before laying it off to Segovia. The Venezuelan midfielder slotted it past the keeper to notch his ninth goal for the club across all competitions. Messi’s assist took his season tally to 11.

Atlas equalized in the 80th minute through Rivaldo Lozano, leaving the conclusion hanging by a thread.

Inter Miami did not want to walk away with a point, however. In the dying seconds of the game — the sixth minute of added time — Weigandt broke forward and fired home the winner, taking the home side home with all three points after a dramatic night of action.