Lionel Messi assisted twice as Inter Miami beat Atlas 2-1 in a dramatic 2025 Leagues Cup opener held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He set up Telasco Segovia in the 58th minute, and Marcelo Weigandt’s stoppage-time winner, confirmed by VAR. Atlas had initially equalized through Rivaldo Lozano.
Rodrigo De Paul impressed on debut, and Messi’s July tally now stands at five assists and eight goals. He also received the MLS Player of the Month award.
Messi’s Brilliance Turns the Game
Messi returned with a point to prove after missing the MLS All-Star game because of a one-game suspension. Despite not scoring, he had a huge impact.
In the 58th minute, Messi received the ball from Sergio Busquets and delivered a perfect pass to Telasco Segovia, who calmly slotted it into an open net. That was the first of two crucial Messi assists in the match.
Atlas fought back and equalized in the 80th minute with a close-range finish by Rivaldo Lozano. But Messi had one more trick left.
Deep into stoppage time, he received a pass from Luis Suarez, turned sharply, and sent a low ball into the box. Marcelo Weigandt tapped it home.
The goal was reviewed by VAR and awarded, making it another highlight in the growing list of Messi assists this season.
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Fans Go Wild Over Last-Minute Heroics
Social media blew up as soon as the last whistle rang. Everyone was talking about Messi’s assists. As fans uploaded videos, comments, and endless praise, his name quickly shot to the top of the trending lists.
One user posted, “Inter Miami were drawing 1-1 in the final minute… And then they gave the ball to Lionel Messi.”
Inter Miami were drawing 1-1 in the final minute…
And then they gave the ball to Lionel Messi. pic.twitter.com/XIrlj2pHUT
— george (@StokeyyG2) July 31, 2025
Another user commented, “No, it’s just the Greatest doing what he does best. ✨⚽��”
No, it’s just the Greatest doing what he does best. ✨⚽🙌
— Hanzi (@hanzihereX) July 31, 2025
Inter Miami Scores More Than Just Three Points
Getting a win wasn’t the only takeaway from this victory. It demonstrated that even in difficult circumstances, Inter Miami can remain calm and find a way out.
Rodrigo De Paul looked right at home in his debut, keeping things smooth in midfield. And let’s not forget goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo—his saves in the first half were just as important as the goals.
But the spotlight remained on Messi’s assists, which have now reached five for the month of July alone. His ability to deliver at critical moments sets him apart. Inter Miami is now preparing to face Club Necaxa on August 2. Fans are expecting more magic and, of course, more Messi assists now that he is playing this well.
Amit Mishra’s Take
It seems unique to watch Messi in this situation. Even if he doesn’t score every game, Messi’s assists are now valued. He is unmatched in his ability to understand the game, manage the pace, and make the ideal pass.
Even when the pressure was at its peak in stoppage time, he stayed calm, created the winning moment, and that’s what legends do.
This Leagues Cup could become another showcase for Messi’s assists and leadership. If this opening match is any indication, Inter Miami and Messi are just getting started.
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