Need to compete, says Lionel Messi after Inter Miami win against Atlas in Leagues Cup

Inter Miami’s talisman Lionel Messi has said he needs to compete after the club registered a 2-1 win against Atlas in their Leagues Cup opener. The Argentine provided two assists and played a key role in Herons’ win.

La Pulga had made a comeback after receiving a one-game suspension for missing the MLS All-Star Game on July 23. Messi admitted he struggled to find rhythm in the first half against Atlas.

“The truth is that it was difficult with the heat, and not having played the other day. Even if [the rest] seems better, for me it’s worse because I need to compete,” Messi said after the match. “I feel good physically the more matches I play and get into 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.”

Inter Miami had played a goalless draw against FC Cincinnati when Messi had to watch from the sidelines due to his suspension.

Messi gave an assist to Marcelo Weigandt in stoppage time to set up the late winner for his team. The Argentine has scored or assisted 21 of Inter Miami’s last 27 goals across all competitions since May 28.

“It’s a great competition for us; one we always compete in,” Messi said. “It’s a great test for us to face Mexican teams, and the format has changed, so we can enjoy it and play it. It’s a great competition. [The victory] is super important.

“The American teams hadn’t won, and it’s important for us to take advantage because we compete against each other. While we’re playing against Mexican teams, the table is on our side, and we have to score more than the others.”

Meanwhile, Argentina’s Rodrigo De Paul also made his debut on Wednesday night and he was able to connect with Messi.

“Rodrigo [De Paul] gives us the hierarchy with a player in his prime, a world champion, one of the most important players on the national team that is world champions and who has a significant connection with our best player on and off the pitch,” head coach Javier Mascherano said.

“All of us who have had the opportunity to play with Leo, to know Leo, to the players who have that connection with him, we have to take advantage of it. We have to take advantage of it a lot because they are few and far between, and those players are chosen.”

Inter Miami will next face Necaxa on Saturday night at Chase Stadium.