Messi's Magic Powers Inter Miami Past Atlanta United

First Start, First Win

Messi Scores Twice in 4-0 Victory

In his first start for Inter Miami, Lionel Messi scored two first-half goals as his team beat Atlanta United 4-0 in the Leagues Cup, clinching a berth in the knockout rounds.

Messi opened the scoring in the 19th minute, receiving a pass from Gonzalo Higuain and firing a low shot into the bottom corner. He doubled his tally in the 34th minute, curling a free kick over the wall and into the top of the net.

Inter Miami added two more goals in the second half, with Alejandro Pozuelo scoring in the 55th minute and Bryce Duke adding another in the 85th minute.

The win was Inter Miami's third in a row and moved them into second place in the Eastern Conference standings.