Lionel Messi scored and assisted as Inter Miami defeated Cruz Azul 2-0 to win the Campeones Cup on Wednesday. The annual competition pits the reigning Major League Soccer and Mexican Liga MX champions against each other.
The victory marked Inter Miami’s first Campeones Cup title and delivered Messi’s 100th goal for the MLS Cup holders. Later, a Messi corner found Casemiro, who headed home Miami’s second goal to secure the victory.
Messi Claims First Trophy Of The Year
The triumph gave 39-year-old Messi his first trophy of the year following Argentina’s 2026 World Cup final defeat. After the match, Casemiro praised Messi and highlighted his continued influence on football.
“We have to enjoy this because we don’t know how long we’ll have it,” Casemiro said. The former Real Madrid midfielder also described Messi’s achievements as remarkable and praised his performances for Argentina and Miami.
Messi Makes Decisive Impact In Miami Victory
Cruz Azul created the first major opportunity, but Miami goalkeeper Dayne St Clair stopped Jose Paradela’s effort. Miami then opened the scoring in the 24th minute when Messi converted Luis Suarez’s cross with a diving header.
Messi appeared to score again early in the second half after receiving a Suarez pass. However, officials ruled the goal offside, denying him his 101st goal for Miami.
Cruz Azul nearly equalized in the 67th minute when Gabriel Fernandez’s header struck the post. Casemiro then blocked the follow-up effort before Messi created Miami’s second goal in the 81st minute.
Messi delivered a corner into the box, allowing Casemiro to head the ball toward the far post. St Clair later denied Cruz Azul with another important save to preserve Miami’s clean sheet.
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