Inter Miami CF opened its 2026 Leagues Cup campaign in winning fashion with a 4-2 victory over Liga MX side Atlético de San Luis on Wednesday night at Nu Stadium. Captain Leo Messi led the way with a brace, while Telasco Segovia and Micael also found the back of the net to secure all three points in the Club's opening Phase One fixture.
Lineup Notes
Inter Miami took the field with Rocco Ríos Novo in goal; Ian Fray, Fricio Caicedo, Micael, and Noah Allen formed the back four; Rodrigo De Paul, Yannick Bright, Casemiro and Telasco Segovia started in midfield; captain Leo Messi and Daniel Pinter led the team in attack.
Match Action
The visitors struck first in the fourth minute when David Rodríguez headed home to give Atlético de San Luis an early advantage.
Inter Miami responded swiftly. In the 13th minute, Allen delivered a pinpoint cross into the penalty area that found Messi, who finished first-time into the top-left corner. The strike marked Messi's 13th career Leagues Cup goal, while Allen recorded his first assist in the competition.
Inter Miami completed the comeback just eight minutes later. Allen surged down the left flank before lifting a ball across the face of goal for Segovia, who finished from close range to score his fourth Leagues Cup goal across two editions of the tournament. The play also gave Allen his second assist of the evening.
Inter Miami extended its lead in the 32nd minute following a flowing attacking move. After combining with Bright outside the penalty area, Messi released Allen down the left channel. The defender delivered a first-time cross into the six-yard box, where Messi arrived to finish his second goal of the night. Allen's third assist of the match also helped Messi become the all-time leading scorer in Leagues Cup history with 14 goals, surpassing LAFC forward Denis Bouanga.
The hosts struck again deep into first-half stoppage time. In the seventh minute of added time, Messi delivered an outswinging corner kick that found Micael, who rose highest to head home his first Leagues Cup goal and second goal of the 2026 season.
Atlético de San Luis pulled one back shortly after halftime when Rafael Llorente found the net with a powerful strike from outside the penalty area in the 51st minute.
Play was suspended in the 67th minute due to inclement weather. Following a delay of nearly 30 minutes, the match resumed, and Inter Miami managed the remaining stages of the contest to comfortably preserve its lead and open its Leagues Cup campaign with an important victory.
Post-Match Reaction
“We're happy with the result. I want to congratulate everyone because they really stepped up and showed what they're capable of. We're very grateful for all the effort the players put in, and for this victory, which is very important for us," said head coach Guillermo Hoyos.
Next Match
Next, Inter Miami will continue its Leagues Cup 2026 campaign by hosting CF Monterrey this Saturday, Aug. 8 at 8 p.m. ET in the team’s second Phase One matchup. Secure your tickets for the match HERE.
Stats
Possession:
MIA - 42.8%
ASL - 57.3%
Shots:
MIA - 8
ASL - 18
Saves:
MIA - 5
ASL - 1
Corners:
MIA - 1
ASL - 7
Fouls:
MIA - 13
ASL - 3
