Messi scores 100th Inter Miami goal as Herons beat Cruz Azul 2-0 to win Campeones Cup
Lionel Messi headed in his milestone goal and assisted Casemiro's header as Inter Miami claimed their first Campeones Cup title in Cristian "Kily" González's coaching debut.
KEY POINTS
- Inter Miami beat Cruz Azul 2-0 to win first Campeones Cup title
- Messi scored 100th Inter Miami goal (header, 24th minute) and assisted Casemiro's 81st-minute header
- Cristian "Kily" González won coaching debut after 19-day visa delay
- Victory ended Mexican clubs' three-year Campeones Cup winning streak
- Messi confronted referees at halftime over uncalled fouls
Inter Miami defeated Cruz Azul 2-0 at Nu Stadium on Wednesday to win the 2026 Campeones Cup, the annual match between the MLS Cup and Liga MX Campeón de Campeones winners. The victory gave new head coach Cristian "Kily" González a winning start after visa delays postponed his arrival for 19 days.
Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the 24th minute with a diving header from Luis Suárez's cross, marking his 100th goal for Inter Miami in 115 appearances across all competitions. The goal came against the same opponent Messi scored against in his Miami debut three years earlier.
“It's a disgrace, they're horrible”
Cruz Azul, who arrived in Miami a day late due to travel issues, hit the post through substitute Gabriel Fernández in the 67th minute. Casemiro doubled the lead in the 81st minute, heading home Messi's corner for his fourth goal in five matches, all headers.
Messi argued furiously with referees at halftime, shouting "It's a disgrace, they're horrible" after several uncalled fouls. The win ended a three-year streak of Mexican clubs winning the Campeones Cup and gave Inter Miami their fourth trophy since Messi's 2023 arrival.
Inter Miami, second in the Eastern Conference with 45 points, returns to MLS action Sunday against San Diego FC at Nu Stadium.
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