Lionel Messi's 100th Goal Leads Inter Miami to Campeones Cup Victory

Lionel Messi's 100th goal for Inter Miami secured a 2-0 victory over Cruz Azul in the Campeones Cup final on Wednesday night. Messi's milestone was marked by a rare header, helping the club win its first trophy in this competition. The match took place at Nu Stadium, Miami's new home now boasting its first trophy since opening in April 2026.

New Inter Miami manager Cristian Gonzalez celebrated a dream start, winning a trophy in his inaugural match. Casemiro provided support by scoring the second goal of the night, marking his fourth goal in five appearances for the club. This triumph is particularly significant for Inter Miami, having failed to secure a win in their last three league matches.

The Campeones Cup pits the champions of MLS against those of Liga MX, and this victory marked the first time an MLS team has won the trophy since New York City FC triumphed over Atlas in 2022. Additionally, it was the first time Inter Miami claimed the Campeones Cup.

In scoring his 100 goals for Inter Miami, Messi recorded an impressive distribution: 69 from his left foot, nine from his right, ten from free kicks, six from headers, five from penalties, and even one with his chest. His ability to impact games remains unparalleled, showcasing his talent yet again as he adds another piece of silverware to his illustrious collection, now totaling 49 trophies.

However, not all was smooth sailing, as Facundo Mora departed the match with an injury in the 75th minute. With Ian Fray already unavailable, Gonzalo Lujan was substituted in to complete the match as Cruz Azul began to find their footing. Nonetheless, the goal from Casemiro helped maintain Miami’s advantage.

With this win, Inter Miami extends a remarkable record; they have yet to have a season with Messi that did not yield a trophy, adding the Campeones Cup to their previous wins of the Leagues Cup, Supporters' Shield, and MLS Cup. As they aim to defend their MLS Cup title, the team will also strive to improve their standing in the Eastern Conference amid a competitive landscape. With their winless streak behind them, Inter Miami is poised to make a significant push in the remainder of the season.