Lionel Messi bags brace on his first Inter Miami start

Lionel Messi netted a first-half brace on his first start for his new side Inter Miami as they thrashed Atalanta United 4-0 to qualify for the knockout stage of the League Cup.

The 36-year-old was also on hand with an assist as Tata Martino's side made light work of Atalanta United at Miami's DRV PNK Stadium.

The Argentina captain was just too hot to handle for Atalanta United on the night as he established a perfect connection with Finnish international Robert Taylor, who grabbed Inter Miami's other two goals.

The World Cup winner looks to have settled into his new side even on his first start as he gave the David Beckham co-owned side the lead early in the 8th minute following a superb through pass from Sergio Busquets.

Messi doubled Miami's lead in the 22nd minute after combining beautifully with Robert Taylor.

Taylor ➡️ Messi for his second of the night to double the lead in the 22nd minute ????#MIAvATL | 2-0 pic.twitter.com/bVvzkLJdDA

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) July 26, 2023

Lionel Messi - the starter and finisher of moves. What a second goal.pic.twitter.com/CHUiuBn6Ii

— Owuraku Ampofo (@_owurakuampofo) July 26, 2023