Lionel Messi leads Inter Miami to 2-0 Campeones Cup win, takes trophy tally to 49
Lionel Messi scored and set up a goal as Inter Miami defeated Cruz Azul 2-0 to win the 2026 Campeones Cup on September 17, 2026. The victory raised Messi's career trophy total to 49.
Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023 and has helped the club capture four trophies since his arrival: the Leagues Cup in 2023, the Supporters' Shield in 2024, the MLS Cup in 2025 and now the Campeones Cup in 2026. The Campeones Cup is contested between the reigning MLS Cup champions and the Liga MX Campeón de Campeones winners.
Inter Miami opened the scoring in the 24th minute after a move involving Luis Suárez on the right. Suárez sent a cross into the box and Messi rose to head the ball past his marker and into the net; the goal was Messi's 100th for Inter Miami in 115 appearances since his 2023 arrival.
The match was put beyond doubt in the 81st minute when Messi delivered a corner that found Casemiro in space. The Brazilian met the delivery with a headed finish to double Inter Miami's lead and seal the 2-0 win.
The Campeones Cup victory adds another winner's medal to Messi's collection, even as observers note the competition's different standing compared with tournaments such as the World Cup or Champions League. The win nonetheless represents another trophy for both Messi and Inter Miami during his spell in South Florida.
Messi remains described in reports as occupying the top position on the all-time list among players, with other leading names behind him. Inter Miami came out on top against Cruz Azul to claim the trophy.
The triumph leaves Inter Miami second in the Eastern Conference on 45 points, nine behind leaders Nashville SC, and provides an additional cup for the club's 2026 campaign.
