Lionel Messi sets all-time Leagues Cup scoring record in Inter Miami win

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (10) celebrates after scoring his side's third goal during the first half of a Leagues Cup soccer match against Atletico de San Luis, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Lionel Messi needed just one full game after returning from the FIFA World Cup to add another record to his extraordinary career. Making his first start since captaining Argentina to a second successive World Cup final, the Inter Miami forward scored twice in a 4-2 victory over Atlético San Luis to become the all-time leading scorer in Leagues Cup history as the MLS side opened its 2026 campaign with an impressive comeback win.

Record falls on World Cup return

There was little sign of rust after Messi's post-World Cup break. Having made a brief substitute appearance in Inter Miami's 2-2 MLS draw with the Columbus Crew, the Argentine returned to the starting lineup on Wednesday and immediately reminded supporters why he remains the centrepiece of the club's attack. Atlético San Luis struck first when David Rodríguez glanced home in the fourth minute, but Inter Miami's response was immediate. Running onto Noah Allen's cross, Messi met the delivery with a superb first-time volley in the 11th minute to bring his side level before later producing another composed finish in the closing stages of the first half after intricate build-up play involving Allen. Those two goals took his tally in the competition to 14 goals in just 12 appearances, moving him ahead of Los Angeles FC forward Denis Bouanga to become the outright leading scorer in Leagues Cup history.

Inter Miami turn the game around

Messi was involved in almost everything Inter Miami created after the break. He also registered an assist as Inter Miami overturned the early deficit, with Telasco Segovia giving the hosts the lead midway through the first half after another excellent pass from Allen. Defender Micael added the fourth goal after the interval to complete a convincing 4-2 victory, while Allen enjoyed one of the finest performances of his career by providing three assists in a single match for the first time.

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (10) picks up the ball and runs after scoring his side's first goal past Atletico de San Luis goalkeeper Andres Sanchez (1) during the first half of a Leagues Cup soccer match, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

The result extended Inter Miami's unbeaten run to eight matches across all competitions and provided the ideal start to another Leagues Cup campaign.

Competition where Messi continues to thrive

Few tournaments have suited Messi quite like the Leagues Cup. Shortly after arriving in the United States in 2023, he inspired Inter Miami to the club's first major trophy by leading them to the inaugural Leagues Cup title. Three years later, he has now added another individual milestone to that success. The brace against Atlético San Luis also became his fifth multi-goal performance in just 12 Leagues Cup appearances, underlining the consistency with which he has influenced the competition since its expansion to include clubs from Major League Soccer and Liga MX.

Perfect response after the World Cup

Messi's return had been eagerly anticipated after Argentina's run to a second consecutive FIFA World Cup final, where the defending champions were beaten 1-0 by Spain. Inter Miami managed to remain competitive during his absence, with Luis Suárez helping steady the team in MLS action following the World Cup. However, the Uruguayan was unavailable against San Luis as he began serving the first match of a six-game suspension. Messi's immediate return to form ensured Miami scarcely felt that absence. With Monterrey next on the schedule in the Leagues Cup, Inter Miami have not only welcomed back their captain but also seen him resume a familiar habit—breaking another record almost as soon as he stepped back onto the pitch.