Sat Aug 02 23:20:00 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Messi’s Late Assist Sparks Victory, Passionate Outburst in Leagues Cup Opener**

**Fort Lauderdale, FL** – Lionel Messi delivered a dramatic, last-minute assist to Marcelo Weigandt, securing a 2-1 victory for Inter Miami over Atlas in their Leagues Cup opener. The win, decided after a Video Review reversal, ignited a rare display of raw emotion from the Argentine superstar.

Following the final whistle, Messi celebrated with teammate Rodrigo De Paul, but then engaged in a brief, heated exchange with Atlas attacker Matías Cóccaro. The cause of the verbal volley remains unclear, though the two players later shared a smile and a hug.

“I’m actually quite surprised that he was so happy to win this game,” admitted Atlas manager Gonzalo Pineda, noting Messi’s typically reserved demeanor.

The victory was crucial for Inter Miami, especially given the strong showing by Mexican clubs so far in the tournament. “Yesterday, the American teams here hadn’t won. And for us, winning today was important to gain an advantage,” Messi explained post-match.

Despite a dominant performance fueled by De Paul’s impressive debut, Miami struggled to put Atlas away. Telasco Segovia opened the scoring off a Messi assist, but Rivaldo Lozano equalized for Atlas in the 80th minute. The Herons then needed a last gasp goal to win the game.

Looking ahead, Inter Miami will face Necaxa on Saturday as they continue their Leagues Cup campaign, aiming to build on this hard-fought victory. Coach Javier Mascherano emphasized the importance of every game in this competition, stating, “We won a game in which we didn’t play brilliantly, and at the final second, in an epic way, we were able to win it. So that’s what the celebration is about.”

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