Lionel Messi scored his 100th goal for Inter Miami and provided an assist as the Major League Soccer club defeated Liga MX champions Cruz Azul 2-0 to capture the Campeones Cup for the first time at Nu Stadium in Miami.
The eighth edition of the cross-league final delivered early intensity as Cruz Azul threatened first, forcing Inter Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair into a vital near-post save against José Paradela. Inter Miami responded in the 24th minute when Luis Suárez sent a pinpoint cross from the byline, allowing the 39-year-old Messi to leap above Willer Ditta and direct a header into the net for his milestone century goal.
Cruz Azul mounted a strong second-half push for an equalizer and came within inches of restoring parity in the 67th minute when substitute Gabriel Fernández headed against the post, only for Casemiro to block the follow-up rebound. Messi appeared to double the advantage moments later after latching onto a Suárez pass, but his strike off the post was ultimately ruled out for offside.
Inter Miami put the contest beyond reach in the 81st minute when Messi delivered an accurate corner kick into the box, enabling Casemiro to plant a low header into the far corner. St. Clair secured the clean sheet late in the match by turning away another dangerous Paradela free kick.
The victory delivered Messi his first trophy of 2026 and handed new head coach Cristian “Kily” González a winning debut after joining the squad following visa delays. In the aftermath of the triumph, Casemiro praised his teammate’s enduring influence, while Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham publicly endorsed Messi’s candidate status for the Ballon d’Or.
