Messi leads Inter Miami to first campeones Cup triumph

MIAMI: Lionel Messi delivered another memorable performance as Inter Miami defeated Cruz Azul 2-0 on Wednesday to lift the Campeones Cup for the first time.

The Argentine superstar scored with a rare diving header and later set up Casemiro from a corner as the reigning Major League Soccer champions claimed victory over Mexico’s Liga MX champions.

The triumph also marked Messi’s 100th goal for Inter Miami, adding another milestone to his remarkable career. At 39, the forward secured his first trophy of 2026, two months after Argentina’s heartbreaking defeat to Spain in the World Cup final.

Messi opened the scoring in the 24th minute in unusual fashion. Luis Suarez delivered a cross from the byline, and the 5-foot-7 forward rose above Cruz Azul defender Willer Ditta to direct a diving header into the net.

Cruz Azul had created the first major opportunity of the match when Jose Paradela tested Miami goalkeeper Dayne St Clair, who made an important near-post save.

Messi almost doubled Miami’s advantage early in the second half after racing clear from a Suarez pass. He placed his effort against the post, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Cruz Azul then came close to an equaliser in the 67th minute. Substitute Gabriel Fernandez saw his glancing header strike the post before Casemiro blocked the follow-up effort.

Miami finally secured the trophy in the 81st minute. Messi’s corner found Casemiro, who headed the ball low toward the far post to make it 2-0.

St Clair made another important save late in the match, denying Paradela from a free kick and preserving Miami’s clean sheet.

After the final whistle, Casemiro praised Messi and acknowledged that football fans should appreciate watching the veteran forward while he remains at the top level.

Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham also backed Messi for another Ballon d’Or, pointing to his continued performances at 39.

The victory was particularly significant because it came in the first match under new head coach Cristian “Kily” Gonzalez. The Argentine was appointed last month but only began working with the team this week after visa delays.

The Campeones Cup, now in its eighth edition, brings together the previous MLS Cup winner and Mexico’s Campeon de Campeones winner. Mexican clubs had won the previous three editions.

For Messi and Inter Miami, Wednesday’s victory added a new trophy to the club’s growing collection and gave the Argentine another landmark moment in the United States.