Miami Gardens (Florida), July 31. (HS): Lionel Messi led Inter Miami to a thrilling 2-1 win against Atlas in the Leagues Cup 2025 opener, delivering two key assists. This match marked Messi’s return after a one-match suspension alongside Jordi Alba for skipping the MLS All-Star Game. The scoring began in the 58th minute when Messi assisted Telasko Segovia.

Atlas equalized through Reinaldo Lozano in the 82nd minute. However, Marcelo Vagant netted the game-winner in the 96th minute after a VAR check validated the initially ruled-offside goal. With this victory, Messi has five assists and eight goals for July, earning the title of MLS Player of the Month.

Inter Miami's overall performance in MLS this month includes 4 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw. Both teams created multiple opportunities in the first half but couldn’t score, with Miami’s Rocco Rios Novo making several crucial saves, including a stunning stop on a header. Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul made his debut for Inter Miami in this match after signing the previous week.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar