Lionel Messi scored with a rare header and provided an assist as Inter Miami defeated Cruz Azul 2-0 to win the Campeones Cup on Wednesday.
The victory handed Inter Miami their first title in the competition, with Messi scoring his 100th goal for the reigning MLS Cup champions before Casemiro sealed the win late in the second half.
It was also Messi’s first trophy of 2026, coming two months after Argentina lost the World Cup final to Spain.
Cruz Azul created the first clear opportunity of the match when Jose Paradela forced Miami goalkeeper Dayne St Clair into a save at the near post.
Inter Miami broke the deadlock in the 24th minute through Messi.
Luis Suarez delivered a cross from the byline and the 39-year-old Argentine rose above defender Willer Ditta to score with a diving header.
The goal took Messi to 100 goals for Inter Miami.
Suarez nearly created a second goal eight minutes later after receiving a cross-field pass from Messi before setting up German Berterame, whose chipped effort was cleared off the line.
Messi thought he had scored again early in the second half after racing onto a Suarez through ball and finishing off the post, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Cruz Azul came close to equalising in the 67th minute when substitute Gabriel Fernandez saw a glancing header strike the post.
Casemiro then blocked the follow-up effort as Miami survived the pressure.
The Brazilian midfielder later made his impact at the other end.
Messi delivered a corner in the 81st minute and Casemiro headed the ball low into the far corner to give Miami a 2-0 advantage.
St Clair denied Cruz Azul a consolation goal late on, producing a strong save from a Paradela free kick.
After the match, Casemiro praised Messi’s continued influence on the game, saying football should continue to enjoy the Argentine while he is still playing at the highest level.
Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham also praised Messi and backed him to be considered for a record-extending ninth Ballon d’Or.
Beckham said Messi’s performances at the age of 39, including at the World Cup and in MLS, continued to set him apart.
The triumph also marked a winning start for new Inter Miami head coach Cristian “Kily” Gonzalez.
The Argentine manager was appointed last month but only began working with the squad this week following delays in securing his visa.
The Campeones Cup is contested annually between the previous season’s MLS Cup winner and Mexico’s Campeon de Campeones winner.
Miami’s victory ended a run of three consecutive wins for Mexican clubs in the competition, while Cruz Azul remain without a Campeones Cup title after also losing the 2021 final.
