Lionel Messi marked another memorable milestone in his Inter Miami career as the Argentine superstar scored his 100th goal for the club and provided an assist in a 2-0 victory over Cruz Azul to secure the 2026 Campeones Cup.
The victory at Inter Miami’s Nu Stadium gave the Major League Soccer champions their first-ever Campeones Cup title, with Messi once again playing a decisive role in a major final.
The annual competition brings together the reigning champions of Major League Soccer and Mexico’s Liga MX, with Inter Miami representing the United States and Cruz Azul representing Mexico.
Cruz Azul had one of the game’s early opportunities when Jose Paradela tested Inter Miami goalkeeper Dayne St Clair, but the Canadian goalkeeper was able to make the save.
Inter Miami gradually took control and broke the deadlock in the 24th minute through Messi.
The Argentine received a cross from Luis Suarez and produced an unusual finish for a player renowned for his ability with the ball at his feet, heading the delivery beyond the Cruz Azul goalkeeper.
The goal had additional significance because it was Messi’s 100th for Inter Miami across all competitions.
Messi reached the milestone in his 115th appearance for the club, becoming the first player in Inter Miami history to score 100 goals.
The 39-year-old had entered the final with 99 goals for the Florida club and needed just one more to reach the landmark.
His opening goal also gave Inter Miami an important advantage as Cruz Azul attempted to respond.
The Mexican side pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but Inter Miami’s defence remained organised while St Clair continued to provide security behind the back line.
Cruz Azul’s efforts to get back into the contest ultimately left them vulnerable to further attacks from the hosts.
Inter Miami eventually doubled their advantage late in the match, with Casemiro heading home from a corner delivered by Messi.
The former Real Madrid and Manchester United midfielder rose above the defence to direct the Argentine’s delivery into the net, sealing a 2-0 victory for Inter Miami.
The second goal also completed an outstanding individual contribution from Messi, who finished the match with one goal and one assist.
The triumph represents another piece of silverware for Inter Miami during a period in which the club has rapidly established itself as one of the most prominent teams in North American football.
For Messi, the victory adds another trophy to his decorated career and provides an important personal milestone at Inter Miami.
The Argentine joined the club in 2023 and has since played a central role in the team’s rise, helping Inter Miami win major honours while attracting worldwide attention to Major League Soccer.
The Campeones Cup victory was also the first trophy for new Inter Miami head coach Cristian “Kily” Gonzalez, who recently took charge of the club after the departure of Javier Mascherano.
Gonzalez’s appointment was confirmed earlier this month, and the former Argentina international had only recently been able to begin his work with the team after securing the necessary United States work permits.
For Inter Miami, the 2-0 result ended the club’s debut appearance in the Campeones Cup with a trophy.
The victory also continued a run of silverware for the club, which has won a major trophy in each of the last four seasons.
Messi’s performance was once again central to the achievement. His 24th-minute header opened the scoring, while his late corner created the opportunity for Casemiro to seal the victory.
The result means Inter Miami leave their first Campeones Cup appearance as champions, while Messi leaves the occasion with another landmark goal and another piece of silverware added to his remarkable career.
For Cruz Azul, the defeat brought an end to their hopes of claiming the title, despite creating opportunities during the match.
The final scoreline ultimately reflected Inter Miami’s ability to make their important moments count, with Messi providing the difference in front of goal and from set pieces.
As Inter Miami continue their 2026 campaign, Messi’s 100-goal milestone is likely to stand as one of the defining moments of the club’s season, coming on a night when the team also lifted its first Campeones Cup trophy.
