Inter Miami CF have won a title for a fourth consecutive season, thanks to their 2-0 victory over LIGA MX titans Cruz Azul in the 2026 Michelob ULTRA Campeones Cup.
Argentine superstar Lionel Messi led the way Wednesday night with a goal and an assist, helping secure the club's first trophy at Nu Stadium during their first match under new head coach Cristian "Kily" González.
Messi got the party started inside half an hour, making a late-arriving run into the box and rising over Willer Ditta for a rare header as he connected with a more familiar Luis Suárez assist to give Miami the 1-0 lead.
The opener marked Messi's 100th goal in Miami colors, bookending a century of memorable finishes that poetically began against Cruz Azul in the 2023 Leagues Cup.
Messi nearly returned the favor a few minutes later, but Ditta cleared Suárez's attempted chip past goalkeeper Kevin Mier off the line. The Herons' No. 10 looked to double his tally 10 minutes into the second half, again connecting with Suárez, but was ruled narrowly offside on the counterattack.
Cruz Azul found their best chance to equalize when Gabriel Fernández flicked a header off the post, forcing Casemiro to block José Paradela's attempt on the ensuing rebound.
The Brazilian superstar sealed the win at the other end, heading home a Messi corner in the 81st minute to claim silverware for the home side.
In the process, MLS leveled the all-time Campeones Cup series against LIGA MX at four wins apiece.
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: Since Messi's transformational arrival in July 2023, Inter Miami have won a trophy each season. After claiming Leagues Cup 2023, Supporters' Shield 2024 and MLS Cup 2025 titles, the Herons added Campeones Cup 2026 to their growing list of accolades.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Messi's milestone 100th goal for Miami was a memorable one, as the Argentine icon headed home the trophy-clinching finish.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: Who else? Awarded the Campeones Cup Superior Player of the Match, Messi again rose to the occasion in a final.
Next up
- MIA: Sunday, Sept. 20 vs. San Diego FC | 7 pm ET (Apple TV) | MLS Regular Season
- CAZ: Saturday, Sept. 19 vs. CF Monterrey | 9:10 pm ET | LIGA MX Apertura
