Lionel Messi delivered another historic performance as Inter Miami defeated Cruz Azul 2-0 to win the 2026 Campeones Cup at Nu Stadium.
The Argentine captain scored the opening goal in the 24th minute before assisting Casemiro’s match-sealing header in the second half. Messi’s strike was his 100th goal for Inter Miami and the 929th of his extraordinary senior career.
The victory secured Inter Miami’s fifth trophy in club history and gave new head coach Cristian “Kily” González the perfect start to his time in charge. Messi was deservedly named the Campeones Cup Superior Player of the Match following his decisive goal-and-assist performance.
Cruz Azul Threaten Inter Miami Early
Despite the final score, Inter Miami did not have everything their own way.
Cruz Azul created the first major opportunity in the sixth minute when José Paradela tested Dayne St. Clair. The Inter Miami goalkeeper responded with an important save and continued to play a major role throughout the match.
The Liga MX side controlled 52% of possession and registered 18 shots compared to Inter Miami’s seven. However, the Herons were more clinical in front of goal and produced the decisive moments when they mattered most.
Messi Scores His 100th Inter Miami Goal
Inter Miami opened the scoring in the 24th minute through a familiar partnership.
Luis Suárez delivered a precise cross from the right wing, allowing Messi to make a late run into the penalty area. The Argentine rose above the Cruz Azul defence and directed a powerful header into the net.
It was a rare headed finish from Messi—but a perfect goal with which to reach his Inter Miami century.
Messi required 115 appearances across all competitions to score 100 goals for the Florida club. His total includes 11 goals in 2023, 23 in 2024, 43 in 2025 and 23 so far in 2026. Inter Miami CF
The milestone also carried a beautiful sense of symmetry. Messi scored his first Inter Miami goal against Cruz Azul on his debut in the 2023 Leagues Cup—and reached 100 goals against the same opponents three years later.
Cruz Azul Push for an Equaliser
Inter Miami took their 1-0 advantage into half-time, but Cruz Azul continued pushing for a way back into the final.
Messi thought he had doubled the lead shortly after the interval after combining with Suárez, but the goal was disallowed for offside.
Cruz Azul then came close to equalising when Gabriel Fernández directed a header against the post. Casemiro reacted quickly to block Paradela’s effort from the rebound, keeping Inter Miami in front.
Goalkeeper St. Clair was also essential to the victory. The Canadian international made six saves, including an excellent stoppage-time intervention from a Cruz Azul free kick, to preserve Inter Miami’s clean sheet.
Messi Assists Casemiro to Seal the Trophy
Inter Miami finally put the match beyond Cruz Azul in the 81st minute.
Messi delivered an accurate corner from the left, and Casemiro rose powerfully inside the penalty area to head the ball beyond goalkeeper Kevin Mier.
The goal was Casemiro’s fourth since joining Inter Miami during the summer. It was also Messi’s 15th assist across all competitions in the 2026 season.
The Brazilian’s header completed a memorable night in which Messi contributed directly to both goals and added another trophy to his remarkable collection.
Inter Miami vs Cruz Azul: Key Match Highlights
- José Paradela forced an early save from Dayne St. Clair.
- Messi headed Inter Miami ahead after 24 minutes.
- Luis Suárez assisted Messi’s historic opening goal.
- The goal was Messi’s 100th for Inter Miami.
- Messi had a second-half finish disallowed for offside.
- Cruz Azul struck the post while searching for an equaliser.
- Casemiro scored from Messi’s corner in the 81st minute.
- St. Clair made six saves to secure the clean sheet.
- Inter Miami won the Campeones Cup for the first time.
- Messi was named the match’s best player.
Another Trophy for Messi and Inter Miami
The Campeones Cup became Inter Miami’s fourth trophy of the Messi era, following the 2023 Leagues Cup, 2024 Supporters’ Shield and 2025 MLS Cup.
Messi has now helped the Herons win silverware in four consecutive seasons. The triumph was also the first trophy lifted at the club’s new Nu Stadium.
The victory took Messi to 929 senior career goals. His career-assist figures can vary between statistical providers, but he has registered more than 420 assists during his professional career.
Official MLS reporting describes the Campeones Cup as Messi’s record-extending 48th recognised career trophy, although some unofficial counts list 49 because they include additional honours under different criteria. MLS Soccer
Whatever method is used, Messi remains the most decorated player in football history—and he continues to influence major finals with goals, assists and match-winning performances.
Messi’s Incredible Inter Miami Journey Continues
When Messi arrived in Miami in 2023, the club had never won a major trophy. He has since transformed the Herons into regular champions while producing one unforgettable milestone after another.
Scoring his 100th Inter Miami goal in a final made this achievement even more special. Providing the assist that secured the trophy completed another classic Messi performance.
At 39, the Argentine superstar continues to demonstrate the quality, intelligence and competitive desire that have defined his legendary career.
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