Lionel Messi once again becomes the hero for Inter Miami after a dramatic 2-1 win over Atlas FC in their first game of the 2025 Leagues Cup. Messi didn’t score, but he provided two assists, with one coming in the last minute.
This was Messi’s first match after being suspended in the MLS after missing the 2025 MLS All-Star Game last week. Messi missed Inter Miami’s MLS game against FC Cincinnati over the weekend.
Many fans believed that Messi needed to rest due to his age and that the suspension was a blessing in disguise. After the game against Atlas, Messi spoke about the suspension he received over the weekend, and the Argentine star expressed frustration over the time off he had.
Messi missed a full week of football after a long summer that consisted of the FIFA Club World Cup and MLS matches.
Lionel Messi on MLS Suspension
After the first 2025 Leagues Cup game, Messi was asked about his commitment to the team after running a lot during the game against Atlas. Messi expressed how difficult it was as he felt fatigued.
Messi mentioned his absence over the weekend affected him during the game against Atlas, especially in the first half. Messi assures that he doesn’t want to rest as he wishes to compete consistently.
Lionel Messi: “The other day I didn’t play… In theory that might sound good but for me, it’s worse [If I miss games] because I need to compete. I feel good physically after constantly playing matches to gain rhythm… The other day, they didn’t let me play, and today I felt it especially in the first half.”
Messi provided an assist in the 58th minute after Telasco Segovia scored the opener. In the 96th minute, Messi provided his second assist of the game after a simple pass to Marcelo Weigandt.
Messi felt very motivated after the win against Atlas and is eyeing major trophies for the rest of the year, including the MLS Cup.
Lionel Messi: “We want to compete and try to win every competition we play in. In the league, we are battling for the top spots… We have a great squad, and now an important signing has arrived in Rodrigo [De Paul].”
Inter Miami’s newest signing, Rodrigo De Paul, made his debut and played the full game after just arriving at the club.
What is Next for Inter Miami?
Inter Miami will have two more group stage matches in the 2025 Leagues Cup. They will take on two more Liga MX teams: Club Necaxa and Pumas UNAM.
They will take on Club Necaxa on August 2 at the Chase Stadium. Necaxa defeated Atlanta United 3-1 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Inter Miami faces Pumas UNAM on August 6. Pumas drew 1-1 against Orlando City at the Inter&Co Stadium. Pumas defeated Orlando City 4-3 on penalties.