Miami, US, July 25 (EFE).- Argentinian star Lionel Messi needed only 22 minutes to score twice in his first start for Inter Miami in its match against Atlanta United in the Leagues Cup on Tuesday.
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (R) celebrates a goal during the Soccer Leagues Cup match between Atlanta United FC and Inter Miami CF, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US, 25 July 2023. EFE-EPA/CRISTOBAL HERRERA-ULASHKEVICH
Messi, who was left unguarded in the middle of the field in the 8th minute, received a perfect pass from Sergio Busquets and after missing his first shot off the post, made no mistake in netting the ball on the rebound.
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (C) in action against Atlanta United defender Miles Robinson (2-L) during the Soccer Leagues Cup match between Atlanta United FC and Inter Miami CF, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US, 25 July 2023. EFE-EPA/CRISTOBAL HERRERA-ULASHKEVICH
The World Cup champion scored again in the 22nd minute off a pass from Robert Taylor, who also made two goals to seal Inter Miami’s emphatic 4-0 win.
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi scores a goal during the Soccer Leagues Cup match between Atlanta United FC and Inter Miami CF, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US, 25 July 2023. EFE-EPA/CRISTOBAL HERRERA-ULASHKEVICH
On Friday, Messi made a dream debut at Inter Miami by netting the winning goal from a stunning free kick in the 94th minute to take his team to a 2-1 win against Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup opener.
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (R) embraces his team mate Inter Miami midfielder Robert Taylor (L) after Taylor made a goal during the Soccer Leagues Cup match between Atlanta United FC and Inter Miami CF, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US, 25 July 2023. EFE-EPA/CRISTOBAL HERRERA-ULASHKEVICH
Tuesday’s game was Inter Miami’s second and last match of the group stage of the Leagues Cup, the new month-long tournament featuring all MLS and Liga MX teams. EFE
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