Lionel Messi added yet another trophy to his impressive collection as Inter Miami defeated Cruz Azul 2-0 to win the 2026 Campeones Cup.
For the Argentine superstar, this was the 49th title of his career, while the Florida-based team celebrated its first trophy at Nu Stadium—and did so in its very first game with Christian “Kili” González at the helm.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Messi was once again the star of the show. Before the first half-hour was up, he made a run into the box and, with a header off an assist from Luis Suárez, opened the scoring.
This goal held special significance, as it was his 100th while wearing the Inter Miami jersey. In fact, his first goal for the club came in 2023 against the same opponent, Cruz Azul, in the Leagues Cup.
The Mexican team tried to respond and came close to equalizing when Gabriel Fernández’s header hit the crossbar. Inter Miami, however, sealed the victory in the 81st minute. Messi took the corner kick, and Casemiro headed the ball in to make it 2-0, securing the trophy for the home team.
Winning the Campeones Cup continues Inter Miami’s impressive run of titles since Messi’s arrival in 2023. This follows the Leagues Cup in 2023, the Supporters’ Shield in 2024, and the MLS Cup in 2025, with the team now winning a trophy for the fourth consecutive season. At the same time, MLS has now recorded four victories in the Campeones Cup against Liga MX, evening the overall head-to-head record between the two leagues in the competition.
*photo source: AP
