Temi kings
Inter Miami CF added yet another piece of silverware to their rapidly growing trophy cabinet on Wednesday night, defeating Liga MX champions Cruz Azul 2-0 at Nu Stadium to win the 2026 Campeones Cup. On an emotional and historic evening in South Florida, captain Lionel Messi once again took center stage, scoring his 100th goal for Inter Miami before providing the assist for Casemiro to seal the victory.
Poetically, the milestone goal came against the exact same club where Messi's American journey began three years ago. The deadlock was broken in the 24th minute when Luis Suárez whipped in a precise cross from the right flank, allowing Messi to leap between defenders and drive a powerful header past Kevin Mier. The strike brought Messi to 100 goals in just 115 matches in pink and black, reaching the century mark faster than he did for Barcelona (188 games) or Argentina (174 games). It also extended his incredible record for the most goals scored in finals to 36.
Cruz Azul pushed aggressively for an equalizer early in the second half, but Inter Miami's backline held firm behind six crucial saves from goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair. The Herons put the match beyond reach in the 81st minute when Messi floated a corner toward the far post, setting up Casemiro for a towering header to double the advantage.
The victory marks Inter Miami’s fifth trophy since Messi’s arrival in 2023 and hands newly appointed head coach Cristian "Kily" González a championship in his very first match in charge. For Messi, the Campeones Cup represents the staggering 49th official trophy of his professional career, solidifying his standing as soccer's ultimate champion.