Messi heads Inter Miami to Campeones Cup triumph

Lionel Messi led Inter Miami to victory in the Campeones Cup final, defeating Mexico's Cruz Azul 2-0 in Miami. The Argentine superstar scored the winning goal and provided an assist, marking his 100th goal for the reigning MLS Cup champions. This was Inter Miami's first Campeones Cup triumph, and Messi's 100th goal came two months after Argentina's heartbreaking 2026 World Cup final loss to Spain.

After the match, Casemiro praised Messi, calling him the best and stating that they have to enjoy this victory while they can. Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham hailed Messi's accomplishments, arguing that no 39-year-old player deserves the Ballon d'Or more than the 39-year-old Messi. Mexican team Cruz Azul, who had never won the Campeones Cup, lost the game for the eighth time.

The trophy was awarded to new Inter Miami head coach Cristian Kily Gonzalez in his first game in charge, as visa delays prevented him from taking any training sessions before the match.