Messi Leads Inter Miami To Campeones Cup Glory

Inter Miami have been crowned 2026 Campeones Cup champions after defeating Mexican giants Cruz Azul 2–0 at Nu Stadium, with Lionel Messi producing another decisive performance in a final. Messi gave Miami the lead in the 24th minute, arriving into the penalty area and scoring with a header from a Luis Suárez assist. The goal was especially significant because it marked the Argentine’s 100th goal for Inter Miami, three years after his first goal for the club also came against Cruz Azul in the 2023 Leagues Cup. Inter Miami continued to threaten throughout the match, although Cruz Azul came close to finding an equaliser when Gabriel Fernández hit the post. Miami survived that spell and eventually secured the trophy in the closing stages. In the 81st minute, Casemiro headed home from a Messi corner to double the advantage and effectively end Cruz Azul’s hopes. Messi therefore finished the final with both a goal and an assist before being named the competition’s Most Valuable Player. The triumph continues an extraordinary run of silverware for Inter Miami since Messi joined the club. Miami won the Leagues Cup in 2023, the Supporters’ Shield in 2024, the MLS Cup in 2025, and have now added the Campeones Cup in 2026. For Messi personally, the trophy is another historic addition to his career collection. MLS reports that the Campeones Cup is the 48th trophy of his career, extending his record as one of football’s most decorated players. For Inter Miami, the night was also significant because it delivered their first trophy at Nu Stadium and came in the first match under new head coach Cristian “Kily” González.