Lionel Messi delivered another decisive performance as Inter Miami defeated Mexican side Cruz Azul 2-0 to claim the Campeones Cup for the first time in the club’s history.
The Argentine forward opened the scoring with a rare headed effort before later setting up Casemiro for Miami’s second goal as the Major League Soccer champions secured victory over the Liga MX champions at Nu Stadium on Wednesday.
The triumph also marked Messi’s 100th goal for Inter Miami and gave the 39-year-old his first major trophy of 2026, following Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final two months ago.
Cruz Azul created the first clear opportunity of the match when Jose Paradela tested Miami goalkeeper Dayne St Clair, who reacted quickly to keep out the effort.
Miami took the lead in the 24th minute after Luis Suarez delivered a cross from the byline. Despite his height disadvantage, Messi rose above Willer Ditta and directed a diving header into the net.
Suarez almost doubled the advantage eight minutes later when he connected with a long pass from Messi before setting up German Berterame, whose attempted chip was cleared off the goal line.
Messi thought he had scored again early in the second half after running onto a through ball from Suarez and finishing against the post, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
Cruz Azul came close to an equaliser in the 67th minute when substitute Gabriel Fernandez’s header struck the post, while Casemiro prevented the follow-up attempt from reaching goal.
Miami eventually sealed the victory in the 81st minute when Messi’s corner found Casemiro, who headed the ball into the far corner.
St Clair made another important save late in the match, denying Paradela from a free kick as Inter Miami held on for the clean sheet.
Following the victory, Casemiro praised Messi and urged fans to appreciate the opportunity to watch the Argentine continue playing at the highest level.
Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham also hailed Messi’s performance and said the veteran forward deserved consideration for another Ballon d’Or award.
The Campeones Cup victory came in the first match of new Inter Miami head coach Cristian “Kily” Gonzalez. The Argentine was appointed last month but only began working directly with the squad this week after visa-related delays.
The annual competition brings together the previous season’s MLS Cup winner and Mexico’s Campeon de Campeones winner. Wednesday’s match was the eighth edition of the tournament.
Cruz Azul entered the final seeking Mexico’s fourth consecutive Campeones Cup title, but Inter Miami ended that run with their historic victory. The Mexican club have now lost both of their appearances in the competition, having also fallen in the 2021 final.
