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Lionel Messi marked his 100th goal for Inter Miami with a headed opener as the Major League Soccer champions defeated Cruz Azul 2-0 to win the Campeones Cup on Wednesday.
The victory secured Inter Miami’s first Campeones Cup title and gave Messi his first trophy of the year, two months after Argentina lost the 2026 World Cup final to Spain.
Messi opened the scoring in the 24th minute with an unusual diving header after Luis Suarez delivered a cross from the byline. The 39-year-old forward rose above Willer Ditta to send the ball beyond the Cruz Azul goalkeeper.
Messi later appeared to have doubled Miami’s advantage when he raced onto a Suarez through ball and finished against the post, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
He eventually turned provider in the 81st minute, delivering a corner that former Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro headed low into the far corner to seal the victory.
Cruz Azul had opportunities to respond, with Jose Paradela forcing a save from Miami goalkeeper Dayne St Clair early in the match before Gabriel Fernandez struck the post in the second half.
Casemiro, who praised Messi after the final, said the Argentine’s continued performances at the highest level should be appreciated while he remains on the pitch.
“We have to enjoy this because we don’t know how long we’ll have it,” Casemiro 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 the Ballon d’Or, saying the forward’s performances at 39 had put him in contention for the individual award.
“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 triumph came in the first match of new Inter Miami head coach Cristian “Kily” Gonzalez, who was appointed last month but only began working with the squad this week after visa delays.
The Campeones Cup, now in its eighth edition, pits the previous season’s MLS Cup winners against Mexico’s Campeon de Campeones winners. Cruz Azul had never won the competition, while Mexican clubs had claimed the previous three editions.
