In a captivating Leagues Cup opener, Lionel Messi once again proved his unparalleled influence, orchestrating a dramatic Inter Miami victory over LIGA MX side Atlas. The match, filled with tension and pivotal moments, ultimately saw Inter Miami emerge triumphant with a 2-1 scoreline, largely thanks to Messi’s two crucial assists and leadership on the field.
The game unfolded with both teams displaying fierce competitiveness. While the initial focus was on Messi’s return to action, it quickly became evident that this was a full-team effort punctuated by his brilliance. The decisive goals came from Telasco Segovia in the 58th minute and Marcelo Weigandt in the 90th+6 minute, securing a hard-fought win for the MLS club.
Following the intense encounter, Messi reflected on his endurance and the significance of the win. He acknowledged the physical demands, stating, “The other day they didn’t let me play, and today I noticed it, especially in the first set. But, well, the important thing is that we won.” His dedication to securing victory was evident throughout the match.
The game-winning goal was a testament to Messi’s vision and his synergy with longtime teammates. Receiving a pass from Luis Suarez, Messi deftly laid it off to Weigandt, who calmly finished in the dying minutes of regulation. Inter Miami’s Benjamin Cremaschi echoed the team’s excitement, highlighting their confidence in the play: “We had a lot of faith that he was onside. So, when that moment came, we were super excited. We’re happy about getting that goal.”
This particular win held significant weight, as Inter Miami became the first MLS club in the tournament’s initial phase to defeat a Liga MX side in regulation. This achievement stood out, especially considering Liga MX teams had dominated the previous day’s matches, outscoring MLS opponents significantly. Messi himself underscored the importance of this breakthrough, noting, “And for us, winning today was important to gain an advantage because we’re competing against each other.”
Messi’s impact wasn’t limited to the late winner; he was instrumental in the first goal as well. Displaying his tactical genius, he pointed into the penalty area for Sergio Busquets to deliver a pass after a missed shot, leading to Telasco Segovia’s patient finish. The match itself was a feisty affair, marked by strong contests and testy exchanges between players and even coaches, including a notable argument between Inter Miami’s Javier Mascherano and Atlas’s Gonzalo Pineda.
Other key moments included Rivaldo Lozano’s equalizer for Atlas in the 80th minute, which nearly forced a penalty shootout. Furthermore, Rodrigo De Paul, a close friend of Messi and a 2022 World Cup winner, made his seamless Inter Miami debut, integrating quickly despite not having practiced with the team beforehand. The team’s ability to adapt and overcome challenges, even when sealing the win in the last minute, added to the dramatic narrative.
Messi’s performance was undoubtedly boosted by a period of mandatory rest. After a busy schedule, including the All-Star Game suspension, this break proved beneficial. Coach Javier Mascherano emphasized the positive impact of this respite, stating, “I think, in a way, the break was good for him. And well, to start this new marathon of games we’re going to have ahead of us with the Leagues Cup and then the MLS, it’s good for him to be a little fresher.”
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