Lionel Messi’s indelible impact on Inter Miami reached new heights on Wednesday night, as his sensational playmaking orchestrated a dramatic 2-1 victory over Liga MX’s Atlas in their Leagues Cup opener. The match, a thrilling spectacle of skill and suspense, saw the Argentine maestro deliver two crucial assists, culminating in a last-gasp winner that ignited the DRV PNK Stadium crowd and set a powerful tone for Miami’s tournament campaign.
The tension began early when Messi carved open the Atlas defense, exchanging passes with Luis Suárez before sliding a pinpoint ball across the goalmouth for Robert Taylor to seemingly bundle home. However, the initial jubilation was cut short by an offside flag from the assistant referee, prompting a collective gasp from the expectant fans. This moment of doubt underscored the fine margins in high-stakes competition.
The crucial VAR intervention soon followed, providing a pivotal turning point in the contest. After a thorough review, the on-field decision was overturned, validating Taylor’s positioning behind the ball when it was played. This complex ruling, which negated the defender’s positioning, highlighted the evolving role of technology in modern football and ultimately allowed Inter Miami to secure a vital advantage through intelligent play and precise execution.
Earlier in the match, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner had already showcased his unparalleled vision and passing prowess. Collecting a pass from midfield general Sergio Busquets, Messi deftly found Telasco Segovia unmarked in front of goal. Segovia made no mistake, calmly slotting the ball into the net in the 57th minute to open the scoring and give Inter Miami a deserved lead, demonstrating the burgeoning chemistry within the squad.
However, Atlas, a formidable Liga MX opponent, refused to yield. With just ten minutes remaining, a chaotic mix-up in the Inter Miami box allowed Rivaldo Lozano to pounce, striking an equalizer that momentarily silenced the home crowd and injected further drama into the contest. The sudden shift in momentum tested Miami’s resolve and showcased the unpredictable nature of knockout football.
The late clincher, following Messi’s masterclass, meant a triumphant start for newcomer Rodrigo De Paul. The Argentina international, making his debut for the club, played a full 90 minutes, demonstrating his significant midfield presence and contributing to the team’s ability to maintain pressure until the final whistle. His seamless integration into the squad signals a promising future for Inter Miami’s ambitions.
Looking ahead, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami face continued challenges in the revamped Leagues Cup competition, which now exclusively features MLS vs. Liga MX contests in its opening phase. Their next fixtures include home matchups against Necaxa on Saturday and Pumas UNAM next Wednesday, promising more high-stakes encounters as they aim to progress deeper into the tournament.
The upcoming clash against Pumas UNAM holds particular intrigue, as it will pit former Real Madrid stalwart Keylor Navas, now with the Liga MX side, against Miami’s ex-Barcelona and Atlético Madrid cohort. Navas, who recently transferred from Messi’s boyhood club Newell’s Old Boys, played a pivotal role in Pumas’ penalty shootout triumph over Orlando City in their opening match, setting the stage for a compelling goalkeeping duel.
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