Lionel Messi scored with a header and provided an assist as Inter Miami defeated Cruz Azul 2-0 on Wednesday to win the Campeones Cup, the annual meeting between the champions of Major League Soccer (MLS) and Mexico’s Liga MX.
The victory secured Inter Miami’s first Campeones Cup title, with Messi marking the occasion by scoring his 100th goal for the reigning MLS Cup champions. The Argentine later turned provider, delivering the corner from which Casemiro headed home Miami’s second goal.
The triumph also gave the 39-year-old Messi his first trophy of the year, two months after Argentina’s defeat by Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.
After the match, Casemiro praised his celebrated teammate, saying Messi’s continued excellence should be appreciated while he is still playing.
“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 also backed Messi for 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 who is doing that, and doing it at that level,” Beckham said.
“So he deserves to be considered for the Ballon d’Or. In my opinion, he should win it.”
Messi header gives Miami the lead
Cruz Azul created the first clear opportunity when Jose Paradela’s effort was kept out at the near post by Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair.
Miami took the lead in the 24th minute through an unusual Messi goal.
Luis Suarez delivered a cross from the byline, and the 5-foot-7 Argentine rose above Willer Ditta to score with a diving header.
Suarez almost turned provider again eight minutes later. After receiving a superb cross-field pass from Messi, he set up German Berterame, whose delicate effort was cleared off the line.
Messi appeared to have doubled Miami’s lead early in the second half after racing onto a through ball from Suarez and firing a shot in off the post. However, the goal was ruled out for offside.
Cruz Azul came close to equalising in the 67th minute when substitute Gabriel Fernandez’s glancing header struck the post. Casemiro then blocked the follow-up effort.
Miami eventually secured the victory in the 81st minute when Messi’s corner found Casemiro, who headed the ball low into the far corner.
St. Clair made another important save late in the match, denying Paradela from a free kick as Miami preserved its clean sheet.
Gonzalez begins with trophy
The victory came in the first match of new Inter Miami head coach Cristian “Kily” Gonzalez.
The Argentine was appointed last month but was delayed in taking charge because of visa issues. He conducted his first training sessions with the squad earlier this week.
The Campeones Cup is contested annually between the previous season’s MLS Cup winner and the winner of Mexico’s Campeon de Campeones. The competition was established in 2018 and is hosted by the MLS participant.
Mexican clubs had won the previous three editions, but Inter Miami ended that run with Wednesday’s victory.
Cruz Azul, meanwhile, remain without a Campeones Cup title. The Mexican club also lost the 2021 final.
