AFCON 2025
Lionel Messi marked his 100th goal for Inter Miami in style as the Herons defeated Mexican side Cruz Azul 2–0 to win the 2026 Michelob ULTRA Campeones Cup.
Messi opened the scoring in the 24th minute, rising to head Luis Suárez’s cross beyond Cruz Azul goalkeeper Kevin Mier and put Inter Miami in front.
The Argentine then turned provider late in the match, delivering a corner in the 81st minute for summer signing Casemiro to head home and seal the trophy for Miami.
The victory marked Inter Miami’s first piece of silverware at the club’s new 26,700-capacity Nu Stadium in downtown Miami, which opened in April.
It also continued the club’s remarkable run of success since Messi’s arrival in 2023, with the Campeones Cup becoming their fourth trophy during the Argentine’s time in South Florida.
Messi’s latest triumph also took his career trophy tally to 48 with club and country.
New Inter Miami head coach Cristian “Kily” González began his tenure with silverware and revealed that Messi had promised to help him become a champion.
“Leo told me he’d make me a champion, so he kept his word,” González said.
Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas also hailed the occasion, describing it as the first trophy the club has lifted at its new home and expressing his desire for further success.
The Herons will now look to build on their latest triumph as they continue their pursuit of more silverware during the Messi era.
