MIAMI: Lionel Messi scored a goal and provided an assist as Inter Miami defeated Cruz Azul 2-0 to win the Campeones Cup on Wednesday.
The victory marked Inter Miami’s first Campeones Cup title. The annual competition features the reigning Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup champion and Mexico’s Liga MX champion.
Messi opened the scoring with a rare header in the 24th minute. He later assisted Casemiro for Miami’s second goal in the 81st minute.
The goal was Messi’s 100th for Inter Miami.
Messi Delivers in Final
Cruz Azul created the first major chance of the match. Jose Paradela’s shot was saved at the near post by Miami goalkeeper Dayne St Clair.
Miami took the lead when Luis Suarez sent a cross from the byline. Messi, despite his 5-foot-7 frame, outjumped Willer Ditta and scored with a diving header.
Suarez nearly helped create another goal in the 32nd minute. Messi sent a cross-field pass to Suarez, who set up German Berterame. However, his chipped effort was cleared off the line.
Messi appeared to score again early in the second half. He raced through on goal after receiving a pass from Suarez and struck the post.
However, the goal was ruled out for offside.
Cruz Azul came close to an equaliser in the 67th minute. Substitute Gabriel Fernandez’s header struck the post before Casemiro blocked the follow-up attempt.
Miami then doubled its advantage in the 81st minute. Messi delivered a corner that Casemiro headed low toward the far post.
St Clair made another important save late in the match. He denied Paradela from a free kick to preserve Miami’s clean sheet.
First Trophy of the Year for Messi
The triumph gave 39-year-old Messi his first trophy of the year.
It came two months after Argentina lost the 2026 World Cup final to Spain.
Casemiro praised Messi after the match and highlighted the importance of enjoying his performances.
“We have to enjoy this because we don’t know how long we’ll have it,” the former Real Madrid midfielder said.
“What he has done and continues to do for football is incredible… he remains the best,” Casemiro added.
Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham also backed Messi for the Ballon d’Or.
“So he deserves to be considered for the Ballon d’Or. In my opinion, he should win it,” Beckham said.
New Coach Starts With Trophy
The Campeones Cup was the first match in charge for new Inter Miami head coach Cristian “Kily” Gonzalez.
The Argentine was appointed last month but faced visa delays. He only began his first training sessions with the team this week.
The Campeones Cup is held annually between the previous season’s MLS Cup winner and Mexico’s Campeon de Campeones winner.
Wednesday’s match was the eighth edition of the competition. The MLS participant hosts the final each year.
Mexican clubs had won the previous three editions. Cruz Azul, meanwhile, remain without a Campeones Cup title after also losing the 2021 final.
