Inter Miami CF were crowned champions of the 2026 Campeones Cup, defeating Cruz Azul 2-0 in a performance highlighted by Lionel Messi’s landmark 100th goal for the club — and a trophy-winning debut for new head coach Cristian “Kily” González.
How the Match Unfolded
Cruz Azul started brightly and had spells of pressure, but it was Inter Miami who struck first, with Messi breaking the deadlock in the 24th minute. The Herons held their 1-0 advantage into halftime despite Cruz Azul’s late push for an equalizer before the break. Miami doubled their lead in the second half through a well-worked corner routine — Messi delivered the delivery, and Casemiro rose unmarked to head home his second goal in as many minutes of magic between the pair, making it his fourth goal in five games. Cruz Azul continued to search for a way back into the match, coming agonizingly close when a header from a Mozo cross struck the post, but Miami held firm to seal a 2-0 victory and lift the trophy.
A Landmark Night for Messi
Messi’s opening goal carried special significance, marking his 100th goal for Inter Miami since joining the club. The milestone comes in his 114th appearance for the Herons, during which he has now registered 100 goals and 55 assists — a remarkable return that underlines his continued influence at 39 years old. The win also marked a historic managerial debut for Cristian González, who became the latest head coach to win a trophy in his very first match in charge.
Ending Liga MX’s Recent Dominance
The victory carries extra weight for MLS, ending a run of three consecutive Campeones Cup titles for Liga MX clubs, with Tigres, América, and Toluca having won the previous three editions. Miami’s win marks the first triumph for an MLS side in the competition since 2022, when New York City FC lifted the trophy.
What It Means
This trophy continues Inter Miami’s habit of delivering big moments in marquee occasions, even during a stretch of MLS form that has seen the club draw several recent league matches. For Cruz Azul, despite the loss, they’ll take some confidence from a competitive performance against a star-studded Miami side, particularly Mozo’s dangerous crossing throughout the match.
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