Lionel Messi had two assists, including one in the final seconds of the match, to help lift Inter Miami over Atlas 2-1 in their Leagues Cup opener on Wednesday night. It was Messi's first game since he and teammate Jordi Alba were suspended one match by Major League Soccer for skipping its All-Star game.

The move to Inter Miami has allowed him to unite with Lionel Messi with whom he shares a great camaraderie. The 31-year-old combative midfielder made his debut for Inter Miami in a Leagues Cup clash against Atlas where they won 2-1 on Wednesday and Messi was seen lauding his compatriot following the game.

The Leagues Cup makes its return this week, first with a batch of matches on Tuesday that included Toluca's win over reigning champions Columbus Crew on penalties. The action continues on Wednesday and Thursday, much of the attention on Inter Miami as superstar Lionel Messi welcomes another friend to South Florida.