• Source:JND
HighLights
  1. Messi scored a 24th-minute header to reach 100 goals for Inter Miami. 
  2. The Argentine then assisted Casemiro, who headed home the second goal in the 81st minute.
  3. The triumph gave Messi a record-extending 48th career trophy.

Lionel Messi once again found himself at the centre of another historic night as Inter Miami defeated Cruz Azul 2-0 to lift the 2026 Campeones Cup at Nu Stadium.

The Argentine superstar scored a stunning goal and provided an assist as Miami secured their first-ever Campeones Cup title.

The win saw Messi extend his record as the most decorated footballer in history, with the trophy taking his career tally to 48 major trophies.

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WATCH: Messi Scores 100th Goal For Inter Miami

The biggest moment of the night arrived in the 24th minute when Messi opened the scoring with a spectacular header. Luis Suárez delivered the cross from the left, and the 39-year-old Argentine rose above Willer Ditta to guide a diving header into the net.

The goal carried huge significance as it was Messi's 100th goal for Inter Miami in all competitions. He became the first player in the club's history to reach the milestone, achieving the feat in just 115 appearances.

It was also a particularly fitting milestone given that Messi's first goal for Inter Miami came against Cruz Azul in the 2023 Leagues Cup. Lionel Messi's 100th Inter Miami goal came via a stunning header against Cruz Azul.

Messi Turns Provider As Miami Seal Trophy

Cruz Azul pushed for an equaliser after the break and came close in the 67th minute when Gabriel Fernández's header struck the post. José Paradela's follow-up effort was then blocked by Casemiro.

Inter Miami eventually put the contest beyond doubt in the 81st minute. Messi delivered a corner into the danger area, and Casemiro rose highest to head the ball towards the far post and make it 2-0.

The Brazilian's goal completed another decisive contribution from Messi, who finished the match with a goal and an assist. He was subsequently named the Campeones Cup MVP.

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Inter Miami Continue Winning Trophies

The Campeones Cup victory marks another major milestone in Inter Miami's rapid rise since Messi's arrival in 2023. The club has now won a trophy in four consecutive seasons, following the 2023 Leagues Cup, 2024 Supporters' Shield and 2025 MLS Cup.

The triumph also came in Cristian "Kily" González's first match in charge of Inter Miami, making the start of his tenure even more memorable.


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