The Herons got a fantastic assist from Messi in the sixth minute of added time to open up the competition on the right foot

Lionel Messi said he struggled to find rhythm in the first half against Atlas on Wednesday night at Chase Stadium before setting up two second-half goals -- including a late winner -- in a 2-1 victory to kick off Inter Miami CF's Leagues Cup campaign.

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 back since he and teammate Jordi Alba were suspended one match by Major League Soccer for skipping its All-Star game.