Lionel Messi Inter Miami Leagues Cup 2023

Getty

WATCH: Lionel Messi lights up Atlanta United in first start for Inter Miami

Lionel Messi didn't take long to score in his first start for Inter Miami, finding the back of the net twice in 23 minutes in a 4-0 win.

Messi scores again
Combines with Busquets
Second goal in as many games for Messi

WHAT HAPPENED? Messi was in the Inter Miami starting XI for the first time against Atlanta United on Tuesday, having come off the bench to score a famous free kick in Friday's win over Cruz Azul.

On Tuesday, Messi combined with his longtime team-mate Sergio Busquets, who lofted a pass over the top of the Atlanta defense. After hitting the post initially, Messi was able to tap home his own rebound to give Miami a 1-0 lead in the club's second Leagues Cup game.

He made it 2-0 just a few minutes later, taking his goal tally to three in just 58 total minutes of play. The finish came thanks to a cross from Robert Taylor, who teed up the ex-Barcelona man for the second of the day.

Article continues below

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Messi hasn't taken long to adjust to life in Miami. The club, meanwhile, is still very much a work in progress, with Jordi Alba set to lead a series of new signings set to join up with Tata Martino's squad in the coming days.