Lionel Messi marked his return to the Inter Miami starting XI with two brilliant goals – the first of which was compared to a Picasso painting – as the Florida side opened their Leagues Cup campaign with a 4-2 win over Atletico de San Luis.

Argentina captain Messi played for 39 minutes off the bench in the weekend draw with Columbus in MLS but, on his first start since the World Cup final, he was the stand-out player in an entertaining game at Nu Stadium.

David Rodriguez’s header handed the Mexican visitors a fourth-minute lead but Messi responded in trademark style, volleying home Noah Allen’s cross from the left.

It was a wonderful finish that had Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos purring. Hoyos said: “Those of us who have played football know what it takes to find the time and space to connect, meeting a cross coming from left to right and hitting it cleanly on the volley with his left foot. If we were talking about painting, it would be Picasso.”

Messi scores again to break another record

Telasco Segovia made it 2-1 to Miami and Messi added a third after 44 minutes, firing high into the net after Allen’s pass was dummied by Yannick Bright.

It was the former Barcelona star’s 14th goal since the Leagues Cup was expanded in 2023, making him the highest scorer in the competition.

Messi then turned provider as his left-wing corner was headed home by Micael on the stroke of half-time.

Rafa Llorente cut the deficit following a weather delay but Miami held on despite substitute Mateo Silvetti having to go off with a dislocated shoulder.

Messi is the greatest – San Luis boss Mejia

It was a sobering night for San Luis but coach Diego Mejia defended his side’s attacking approach and said there was little his players could do in the face of Messi’s genius.

“If Messi plays on the counter, he’s the best; if you sit deep and give him too much time on the ball, he’s also the best,” Mejía said. “So, my decision was for us to stick to our identity. We look at the bigger picture, of course, but we’re talking about the greatest player in history.”

Miami remain in Leagues Cup action at the weekend when they take on Monterrey on Saturday. They will again be without striker Luis Suarez, who won’t play in the competition this season while he serves a six-match ban for spitting at a Seattle Sounders staff member after the 2025 final.