Messi gets two goals, assist in first Inter Miami start vs Atlanta

Lionel Messi made his first start for Inter Miami against Atlanta United, scoring twice and providing one assist as they won 4-0.

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner started alongside former Barcelona team-mate Sergio Busquets at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, since they both joined the MLS side.

Busquets lofted a ball in for Messi, who missed his first attempt but put back the rebound to give Miami a 1-0 lead in the eighth minute.

Messi then finished off a counterattack in the 22nd minute to double their lead. Robert Taylor made it 3-0 in the Leagues Cup match.

Taylor scored the final goal for Miami after the break with an assist from Messi, who was substituted in the 78th minute to a rousing ovation from the home crowd.

Busquets left the game six minutes earlier and was replaced by Victor Ulloa.