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 played every minute in 22 of 23 matches since April 2, logging more than 2,000 minutes during the span. His last game off was April 27. He recently set an MLS record scoring two goals in five straight matches, and six of his last seven in the regular season.

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.