Did Messi's Inter Miami Triumph Over Atlas FC in the Leagues Cup Opener?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Inter Miami starts Leagues Cup 2025 with a win.
- Messi provided crucial assists for both goals.
- Telasco Segovia and Marcelo Weigandt were the scorers.
- Rodrigo De Paul made his debut.
- Benjamin Cremaschi reached 100 appearances for the club.
Fort Lauderdale, July 31 (NationPress) Inter Miami CF began its journey in the Leagues Cup 2025 with an exciting 2-1 victory against LIGA MX rivals Atlas FC. Midfielder Telasco Segovia was the first to score, and right-back Marcelo Weigandt clinched the win with a stunning goal deep into stoppage time, with captain Lionel Messi assisting both goals.
The match also marked the debut of World Cup-winning Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, while young talent Benjamin Cremaschi made history by being the first Academy product to achieve 100 appearances for the first team.
Inter Miami had a promising start, with Segovia attempting a shot in the seventh minute, but the ball was deflected over the crossbar by the Atlas defense.
In the 22nd minute, Allende came close to scoring after a brilliant pass from Messi, but his shot from the right side was saved by the Atlas goalkeeper, as reported by Inter Miami.
Inter Miami's goalkeeper, Rios Novo, made a crucial save in the 25th minute, denying a header from Atlas forward Eduardo Aguirre.
Just before halftime, Suárez had a chance to break the deadlock with a volley that hit the crossbar in stoppage time.
The second half saw multiple attempts from Inter Miami, including a powerful shot from Suárez that required another save from the Atlas keeper.
In the 57th minute, Inter Miami broke the deadlock with Segovia's goal, set up by a precise pass from Busquets to Messi, who assisted Segovia for his ninth goal in all competitions and Messi's 11th assist of the season.
Atlas equalized in the 80th minute thanks to a goal from Rivaldo Lozano, but Inter Miami snatched victory in the sixth minute of added time when Weigandt scored the decisive goal.