Lionel Messi once again becomes the hero for Inter Miami after a dramatic 2-1 win over Atlas FC in their first game of the 2025 Leagues Cup. Messi didn't score, but he provided two assists, with one coming in the last minute.

Messi and Inter Miami teammate Jordi Alba were both given one-game suspensions for skipping the All-Star Game, an official MLS rule which has attracted the fury of many in recent days, and he was revealed to be incredibly upset in the immediate aftermath of the ruling.

Inter Miami CF coach Javier Mascherano hopes Lionel Messi enters the 2025 Leagues Cup tournament with more motivation after serving a one-game suspension for missing the MLS All-Star game.