Lionel Messi admitted he struggled to find his rhythm in the first half of Inter Miami’s 2–1 win over Atlas on Wednesday night but eventually set up both second-half goals, including a stoppage-time winner, to secure victory in their opening Leagues Cup match at Chase Stadium.
Back from a one-game suspension for missing the MLS All-Star Game on 23 July, Messi said the time off didn’t help him and insisted that regular football is vital for his form.
“The truth is, it was difficult with the heat and not playing the other day. Even if [rest] seems better, for me it’s worse because I need to compete,” Messi said after the match. “I feel good physically when I play regularly and find rhythm.
The other day they didn’t let me compete, and I felt it in the first half but the important thing is that we won.”
Messi had been sidelined for Saturday’s draw against FC Cincinnati due to league rules that prevent players from featuring in their club’s next game if they miss the All-Star fixture without prior approval.
On his return, Messi provided the assist for Marcelo Weigandt’s stoppage-time goal. The goal was initially ruled out for offside, but VAR overturned the call and confirmed the winner.
Since 28 May, Messi has now been involved in 21 of Inter Miami’s last 27 goals across all competitions, either scoring or assisting.
“It’s a great competition for us, one we always compete in,” Messi said of the Leagues Cup. “It’s a great test to play against Mexican teams, and with the new format, we get to enjoy it even more.
The American teams hadn’t won, so we needed to take advantage and score more than the others.”
Rodrigo De Paul made his Inter Miami debut in the match, linking up well with his Argentina teammate Messi.
Head coach Javier Mascherano praised the World Cup winner’s impact on the squad.
“Rodrigo gives us quality, in his prime, a world champion, someone crucial to the national team, and a teammate who understands Messi on and off the pitch,” said Mascherano.
“We need to take full advantage of that connection. Those kinds of players are rare.”
Inter Miami next face Necaxa on Saturday night at Chase Stadium before concluding the Leagues Cup group stage against Pumas.