The Leagues Cup is a tournament where Inter Miami and Lionel Messi have found success in the past. Inter Miami won the 2023 Leagues Cup, the first edition, which used a tournament format filled with Liga MX and MLS teams.

Lionel Messi marked his return to action with a pair of crucial assists on Wednesday night, including setting up a dramatic late winner for Inter Miami as it opened its Leagues Cup campaign with a 2-1 home victory against Liga MX’s Atlas.

Rodrigo De Paul has enjoyed years of playing alongside Lionel Messi for Argentina's national team, but the star midfielder said that for a long time, he's dreamed of playing on the same club with his good friend.