Lionel Messi made history again with Inter Miami. The Argentine star scored his 100th goal with the American team and provided an assist in the 2-0 victory over Cruz Azul that allowed the Garzas to win the Campeones Cup for the first time.
In the debut of his compatriot Cristian “Kily” González as coach of Inter Miami, Messi opened the scoring in the 24th minute with an unexpected header and participated in the second goal, the work of Brazilian Casemiro in the 81st minute.
The match was played under heavy rain at the Nu Stadium in Miami, where the Argentine once again expanded his extraordinary record since his arrival in American soccer.
Messi took advantage of a raid by Luis Suárez on the right wing. The Uruguayan sent a cross into the area that the Argentine, coming from behind, connected with a header to beat the Colombian Willer Ditta and make it 1-0.
It was Messi’s hundredth goal in 115 games for Inter Miami in all competitions. Furthermore, it had a special meaning because Cruz Azul was precisely the opponent against whom he debuted his scoring tally with the American team, in his debut in the Leagues Cup.
Messi lifts a trophy again
The 39-year-old Argentine celebrated his new title hugging his teammates and Kily González, who had only directed his first training session with the team on Tuesday.
“Leo told me that he was going to make me champion, so he fulfilled it,” the Argentine coach revealed after the game.
González also joined those who believe that Messi should be a candidate for the next Ballon d’Or. David Beckham, co-owner of Inter Miami, was even more forceful.
“He was probably the best player in the World Cup, he had an incredible year,” Beckham told Apple TV. “He deserves to be considered for the Ballon d’Or and, in my opinion, he should win it.”
The title comes after a few especially difficult weeks for Messi, who suffered defeat with Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final and subsequently faced the death of his father.
Casemiro seals the match
Cruz Azul had a clear opportunity to tie the match in the 67th minute, when Gabriel Fernández hit the post with a header.
However, the Mexican team failed to take advantage of its chances and Inter Miami ended up putting the game away in the 81st minute.
Messi took a corner kick and Casemiro managed to free himself from his marker to finish without opposition and establish the final 2-0.
“We all know Leo, he is a great player, but our proposal was to take care of the opponent’s offensive part, not just him,” explained Joel Huiqui, Cruz Azul coach.
With the victory, Inter Miami won its first Campeones Cup, a tournament that pits the MLS and Liga MX champions against each other every year.
The victory also allowed the United States and Mexico to be tied with four league titles in the history of the competition. Inter Miami became the fourth MLS club to win the trophy, after Atlanta United, Columbus Crew and New York City.
