Lionel Messi scored his 100th goal for Inter Miami and provided an assist as the Major League Soccer champions defeated Cruz Azul 2–0 to win the 2026 Campeones Cup.
The victory at Nu Stadium on Wednesday, September 16, secured Inter Miami’s first title in the competition and extended the club’s trophy-winning run to four consecutive seasons.L
Messi opened the scoring in the 24th minute with a rare header from a Luis Suárez cross, reaching the century mark in his 115th appearance for the Florida-based club. The goal also came against Cruz Azul—the same opponent he faced when he scored his first Inter Miami goal in July 2023.
Inter Miami created further opportunities before Casemiro sealed the victory nine minutes from time.
Messi delivered the corner in the 81st minute, with the Brazilian midfielder rising to head the ball beyond Cruz Azul goalkeeper Kevin Mier and make it 2–0.
The triumph also marked a winning start for new head coach Cristian “Kily” González, who had only begun working with the team shortly before the final following his appointment as Javier Mascherano’s replacement.
Inter Miami’s latest success means the club has won a trophy in every season since Messi’s arrival in South Florida, further establishing the Argentine forward’s influence on the team’s rapid rise.
His four Inter Miami trophies are Leagues Cup — 2023, Supporters’ Shield — 2024, MLS Cup — 2025, Campeones Cup — 2026.
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