The inaugural edition of Leagues Cup kicked off on July 21, seeing all Liga MX and MLS compete for the coveted trophy for the first time ever.
We’re only a couple days into the tournament, and the action has already surpassed expectations. Lionel Messi made his debut for Inter Miami in the team’s first Leagues Cup match against Cruz Azul, rocketing a free-kick into the back of the net in the final minutes to seal the win and make history.
And in group South One, Mazatlan stunned Western Conference giants Austin FC with a 3-1 victory to record their first tournament victory.
Here are the best goals of the first batch of group stage games…
5. Aldo Rocha (vs. NYCFC)
— Liga BBVA MX (@LigaBBVAMX) July 23, 2023
A set piece goal to kick off the scoring between Atlas and New York City FC.
An unmarked Aldo Rocha capitalized on the situation, sending the ball into the back of the net to get the early lead. Many doubted Atlas, after they were stripped of their attacking players during the Summer transfer window, but the captain put an end to the worry.
4. Chicho Arango (vs. Seattle Sounders)
— MLS Español (@MLSes) July 23, 2023
After a brief stint away from MLS with Pachuca, Chicho Arango is now back and better than ever playing with Real Salt Lake. The player inaugurated the multi-league tournament with a great goal in the 51st minute to double the lead against Western Conference opponents Seattle Sounders.
His time with Pachuca will soon come in handy as the team takes on Monterrey on Thursday.
3. Gabriel Fernández (vs. CF Montreal)
TOROOOOOO 🐂 @PumasMX #LeaguesCup2023 pic.twitter.com/FDHYagcp5R
— Liga BBVA MX (@LigaBBVAMX) July 23, 2023
Gabriel Fernandez kicked off Pumas’ comeback against CF Montreal in the 88th minute of the match. Despite the Eastern Conference side dominating in the first half of the match, Pumas continuously fought back to earn the much needed point in the first match of the group stage game against the MLS team.
2. Evander ( vs. San Jose Earthquakes)
¡EVANDER! 🇧🇷🚀 #LeaguesCup2023 | #RCTID pic.twitter.com/8c3bMuGygf
— MLS Español (@MLSes) July 23, 2023
It may have taken the player a little bit of time to adjust to the Portland Timbers, but now he’s ready to go. The Brazilian opened up the scoring against the San Jose Earthquakes in their first Leagues Cup match, striking the ball from just outside the box to find the upper left corner and stun the crowd.
A stunning goal altogether.
1. Lionel Messi (vs. Cruz Azul)
🐐 doing 🐐 things#LeaguesCup2023 pic.twitter.com/4FEGUYl5rz
— Leagues Cup (@LeaguesCup) July 22, 2023
The one and only.
An unbelievable debut for Lionel Messi, who came off the bench in the 54th minute of the match to wreak havoc on Cruz Azul. Just before the final whistle, the Herons were awarded a free kick just outside the box, giving way for the World Cup champion to do his thing.
He stepped up, and curled the ball beautifully into the back of the net to send DRV PNK stadium into an absolute frenzy and win the game for the Eastern Conference side.
