Lionel Messi scored a header and set up another goal as Inter Miami claimed the Campeones Cup on Wednesday, defeating Cruz Azul 2-0 in the annual meeting between the champions of Major League Soccer and Mexico’s Liga MX.
It was Inter Miami’s first Campeones Cup triumph and came thanks to the Argentine superstar’s 100th goal for the reigning MLS Cup winners. A late Messi corner was headed home by Casemiro to seal the win.
Victory gave 39-year-old Messi his first trophy of the year, two months after the heartbreak of losing the 2026 World Cup final to Spain with Argentina.
Casemiro Praises Messi
After the game, Casemiro paid tribute to his illustrious teammate Messi.
“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. He proved it at the World Cup and continues to prove it in MLS.”
Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham said Messi deserved to win a record-extending ninth Ballon d’Or.
“When you see him do things like this tonight, when you see him have the World Cup that he’s had… there is no one at 39 that’s doing that, and doing it at that level,” said Beckham.
“So he deserves to be considered for the Ballon d’Or. In my opinion, he should win it.”
Messi gives Miami early lead
Cruz Azul had the game’s first big chance, Jose Paradela’s shot saved at the near post by Miami goalkeeper Dayne St Clair.
Miami’s opener came in the 24th minute. Though the goalscorer was no surprise, it was a rare Messi header that broke the deadlock.
Luis Suarez crossed from the byline, and the 5-foot-7 Messi outjumped Willer Ditta with a diving header to give Miami the lead.
Suarez nearly turned provider again in the 32nd minute. He received a sumptuous cross-field ball from Messi and scooped it up for German Berterame, whose dinked effort was cleared off the line.
Early in the second half Messi appeared to have scored his 101st Miami goal, racing through one-on-one from a Suarez through ball and placing his shot in off the post, but was ruled offside.
Cruz Azul came close to drawing level in the 67th minute, but substitute Gabriel Fernandez’s glancing header struck the post before Casemiro blocked the follow-up effort.
