By Dorcas Francis Koji
Lionel Messi delivered another decisive performance as Inter Miami secured their first-ever Campeones Cup title with a 2-0 victory over Cruz Azul on Wednesday.
The Argentine superstar scored with a rare diving header before setting up the second goal as Inter Miami defeated the Mexican Liga MX champions in the annual meeting between the reigning champions of Major League Soccer and Mexico’s top flight.
The triumph was made even more memorable by Messi reaching 100 goals for Inter Miami. His landmark strike came in the 24th minute after Luis Suarez delivered a cross from the byline, with the 39-year-old rising above Willer Ditta to head the ball into the net.
Messi thought he had doubled his tally early in the second half after racing onto a Suarez through ball and finishing against the post, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
Cruz Azul came close to an equaliser in the 67th minute when substitute Gabriel Fernandez’s glancing header struck the post. Casemiro then reacted quickly to block the follow-up attempt and preserve Miami’s advantage.
The Brazilian midfielder later became the beneficiary of Messi’s creativity. In the 81st minute, Messi delivered a dangerous corner into the box, and Casemiro nodded the ball low toward the far post to make it 2-0.
Goalkeeper Dayne St Clair also played his part in the victory, producing important saves, including a late stop from Jose Paradela’s free kick as Miami held on for the clean sheet.
The trophy represents Messi’s first title of the year, coming two months after Argentina suffered defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.
Casemiro, who joined Messi as a key figure in the triumph, paid tribute to his celebrated teammate after the match.
“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 in the race 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 that’s 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.”
The victory also marked the beginning of a new era for Inter Miami under Argentine coach Cristian “Kily” Gonzalez, who was appointed last month. Visa delays prevented Gonzalez from taking charge of training until this week, making the Campeones Cup his first match on the job.
Inter Miami were made to work for the result, with Cruz Azul creating the first major opportunity when Paradela forced a save from St Clair at the near post.
The Mexican side, however, could not convert its chances, while Miami took advantage of key moments to claim the trophy.
The Campeones Cup is contested annually between the previous season’s MLS Cup winner and Mexico’s Campeon de Campeones champion. The competition was being held for the eighth time, with the MLS representative hosting the fixture.
Cruz Azul were seeking their first Campeones Cup crown but ultimately suffered another final defeat, while Inter Miami ended a run of three consecutive victories by Mexican clubs in the competition.
For Messi and Miami, the night belonged to a landmark goal, a first Campeones Cup triumph and another reminder of the Argentine’s enduring influence at the highest level.
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