Miami, July 31 (AP) Lionel Messi orchestrated victory for Inter Miami with two crucial assists, including one at the dying moments of their Leagues Cup opener, securing a 2-1 victory over Atlas. Having returned after serving a suspension alongside teammate Jordi Alba for missing the MLS All-Star game, Messi was integral to the win.
He first set up Telasco Segovia in the 58th minute. The play showcased Messi's impeccable vision as he received a pass from Sergio Busquets and fed Segovia, who slotted home effortlessly. The Argentine maestro was pivotal again in stoppage time, delivering a perfectly timed ball to Marcelo Weigandt. Initially flagged offside, Weigandt’s 96th-minute winner was confirmed after VAR's intervention.
Despite Rivaldo Lozano's 80th-minute equalizer for Atlas, the match tilted in favor of Inter Miami, largely thanks to Messi’s brilliance. With this performance, Messi rounded off July contributing five assists, earning him the MLS Player of the Month accolade, alongside eight goals and a run that saw Miami’s record at 4-1-1.
The match saw its share of intensity and little drama, including a brief altercation between Miami's coach Javier Mascherano and Atlas's Gonzalo Pineda, which both coaches downplayed as a mere soccer incident. Miami's keeper Rocco Ríos Novo had a standout first half, featuring a crucial denial of an Eduardo Aguirre header. Meanwhile, Luis Suárez nearly added to the scoreline but rattled the crossbar moments before halftime.
The match also marked the debut of Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, adding international flair to Miami’s lineup. Celebrations ensued post-match, with fireworks illuminating Chase Stadium as Messi, De Paul, and Suárez shared a jubilant embrace. Pineda expressed surprise at Messi's buoyant reaction, given his extensive experience in high-stakes scenarios. Mascherano, however, highlighted the emotional release in winning such a tense match.
"We play to win," Mascherano remarked through an interpreter. "That’s the essence of this beautiful sport. The way we celebrated was a release; winning in an epic fashion was an incredible feeling.”
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