The Argentinian football great Lionel Messi scored one goal and made another as Inter Miami won the Campeones Cup. The 2–0 victory over Cruz Azul brought him his 48th career trophy, according to Major League Soccer.
Messi’s opener carried a second milestone, as that was the Argentinian’s 100th goal for Miami in 115 appearances. He reached it against the same opponents he had scored against on his Miami debut back in 2023.
This time around, Messi met Luis Suárez’s cross with a header in the 24th minute. He then supplied the corner for Casemiro’s second header in the 81st, settling the final at Nu Stadium on 16 September.
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Messi makes the difference
The score concealed how much defending Miami had to do. Cruz Azul registered 18 shots to Miami’s seven, while goalkeeper Dayne St Clair made six saves. Messi’s two decisive contributions gave Cristian «Kily» González a trophy in his first match as Miami’s head coach.
The result also extends Miami’s run of silverware to four consecutive seasons. The club won the Leagues Cup in 2023, the Supporters’ Shield in 2024 and MLS Cup in 2025 before adding this year’s Campeones Cup.
Messi’s scoring has continued through that run of titles. He scored 43 times for Miami in 2025 and has added 23 this year. His century also includes 11 goals in his first season and 23 in 2024.
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