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

Despite not having a preseason, De Paul impressed with his sharp passing—completing 54 out of 58 attempts—and was involved in the build-up to both the near goal by Messi and the game-winner by Marcelo Weigandt.

Lionel Messi assisted on both Inter Miami goals, including the winner in second-half stoppage time, as the Herons defeated Atlas 2-1 on Wednesday in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., during a group-stage opener in the Leagues Cup.