Messi leads Inter Miami to Campeones Cup victory over Cruz Azul

Inter Miami won the Campeones Cup for the first time, defeating Cruz Azul. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Lionel Messi provided a goal and an assist as Inter Miami won the Campeones Cup by defeating Cruz Azul 2-0 on Wednesday.

It is the first time Inter Miami has won the Campeones Cup, the annual clash between Major League Soccer and Mexican Liga MX champions.

It was also the first game in charge for new head coach Cristian “Kily” Gonzalez since his arrival in the Miami dugout.

Messi, who won his first trophy since suffering heartbreak in the FIFA World Cup 2026, gave his side the lead with a rare headed goal. The diminutive Argentine jumped over Willer Ditta to get on the end of Luis Suarez’s cross to put the MLS champion ahead.

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He thought he had doubled the lead when he slotted home after running through onto Suarez’s pass, but was called offside.

Instead, he turned provider for the second goal, whipping in a corner which Casemiro headed home to seal the result towards the end of the match.

It was the eighth edition of the cup, which is always hosted by the MLS participant .Mexican teams had won the three most recent editions before Miami’s victory on Wednesday.

Mexican giant Cruz Azul has still never won the Campeones Cup, and lost the 2021 final.