The Leagues Cup group stage delivered plenty of late drama and attacking flair on Wednesday night, with Lionel Messi once again proving decisive for Inter Miami, while Minnesota United, Necaxa, and the Portland Timbers also recorded strong wins.

Messi Delivers in Stoppage Time for Inter Miami

Lionel Messi provided both assists in Inter Miami’s thrilling 2-1 win over Mexico’s Atlas in Fort Lauderdale. With the match seemingly headed for a draw, Messi set up Marcelo Weigandt in the 96th minute with a pinpoint pass across the face of goal, sealing a dramatic victory in their group opener.

Earlier, Telasco Segovia scored Miami’s first after another Messi setup — this time following a through-ball from Sergio Busquets. Atlas had equalized through Jose Lozano in the 80th minute after a scramble in the box.

Minnesota United Overpowers Queretaro

In Saint Paul, Minnesota United made a statement with a 4-2 win over Queretaro. Bongokuhle Hlongwane got the Loons going in the 11th minute, followed by a stunning free-kick goal from Kelvin Yeboah just minutes later.

Despite Queretaro pulling one back through Jhojan Julio, Minnesota regained control with Anthony Markanich’s strike in the 79th minute. Tani Oluwaseyi added a late insurance goal after Queretaro were reduced to 10 men when Angel Zapata was sent off.

Badaloni Brace Lifts Necaxa Over Atlanta

Tomas Badaloni starred for Necaxa in a 3-1 victory over Atlanta United. After a first-half own goal by Atlanta keeper Brad Guzan gave Necaxa the early lead, Atlanta responded with a goal from Alexey Miranchuk.

But Badaloni turned the tide in the second half, heading in a go-ahead goal in the 77th minute before scoring again in stoppage time to secure all three points.

Pumas Edge Orlando City in Shootout

In Orlando, Pumas came from behind to force a 1-1 draw in regulation before winning a tense penalty shootout. After an early goal from Rodrigo Schlegel gave Orlando the advantage, Adalberto Carrasquilla leveled in the 80th minute with a dazzling solo run and finish.

Carrasquilla later converted the decisive penalty after Keylor Navas saved two Orlando attempts and Pedro Gallese missed one himself.

Real Salt Lake Survives Late Scare, Wins Shootout

Real Salt Lake also advanced via penalties after a 3-3 regulation draw with Club America. Despite giving up a dramatic equalizer in the final seconds, RSL goalkeeper Rafael Cabral was the hero in the shootout, stopping three spot-kicks — including Raul Zuniga’s final effort.

Diego Luna and William Agada had scored for Salt Lake, while Brian Rodriguez and Erick Sanchez netted for America, with Sanchez’s goal coming in the 97th minute.

Portland Timbers Cruise Past Atletico San Luis

In one of the night’s most dominant performances, Portland Timbers thrashed Atletico San Luis 4-0. David Da Costa opened the scoring within the first minute, and the floodgates opened from there. Kevin Kelsy, Ariel Lassiter, and Felipe Mora each added goals in the second half, while keeper James Pantemis recorded a clean sheet with six saves.

Conclusion

The night’s matches showcased everything from Messi’s magic to shootout thrillers and statement wins. As the Leagues Cup progresses, the intensity is clearly ramping up — and the drama is far from over.