Messi, Noah Allen star in Inter Miami’s 4-2 Leagues Cup win over Atlético San Luis | OneFootball

Inter Miami beat Atlético San Luis 4-2 in the Leagues Cup group stage as Lionel Messi struck twice and Noah Allen supplied three assists. The win moved Las Garzas to 11-0-1 in home Leagues Cup matches.

According to interheron.com, Messi made his first start for Las Garzas since before the World Cup break and also set up Micael’s header from a corner in first-half stoppage time. Telasco Segovia scored their other goal.

Miami were without striker Luis Suárez, suspended for six Leagues Cup matches for unsportsmanlike conduct after last year’s 3-0 final defeat to Seattle. Dániel Pintér, 19, started in his place and finished a fine Casemiro pass, only for VAR to rule him inches offside.

Allen, 23, pushed high from the left and delivered three first-half assists, having totalled only four in 3 1/2 years with the club. A dependable defender across centre back and left wing back, he has rarely been viewed as an attacking threat.

Jordi Alba returned 15 goals and 33 assists in 2 1/2 years before retiring after last year’s MLS Cup championship. Sergio Reguilón was signed to replace him but injuries have hindered the Spaniard, and when fit he is the more polished option. Even so, if Allen sustains this level, he could yet force selection.

San Luis made it 4-2 in the 51st minute and enjoyed 55 percent possession, their pressing unsettling Miami. Interim coach Guillermo Hoyos replaced Fricio Caicedo, Pintér and Rodrigo De Paul in the 59th, 60th and 66th minutes.

Heavy rain caused a delay in the 67th minute. In the 84th, Mateo Silvetti appeared to dislocate his left shoulder, received treatment on the pitch and was helped to the sideline.

Inter Miami face Monterrey on Saturday, then Club León next Wednesday, as their defence of the 2023 title continues.

Source: interheron.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”