Lionel Messi scored and provided an assist as Inter Miami beat Cruz Azul 2-0 to win the 2026 Campeones Cup on Thursday.
Messi opened the scoring in the 24th minute at Nu Stadium in Fort Lauderdale before Casemiro sealed the victory with a late header. Cruz Azul made the brighter start and tested Inter Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair early in the game. But Miami soon found their rhythm.
Messi broke the deadlock midway through the first half. The Argentine found the net with a header to give his side a 1-0 lead. Inter Miami nearly doubled their advantage soon after. Messi found Luis Suarez with a fine pass, but Willer Ditta cleared the striker’s effort off the line.
Cruz Azul pushed forward after the break in search of an equaliser. Gabriel Fernandez came closest in the 67th minute when his header struck the post.
Miami held firm and finally put the game beyond Cruz Azul in the 81st minute. Messi delivered a corner towards the near post and Casemiro rose to head home, making it 2-0.
Cruz Azul continued to attack in the closing minutes but could not find a way back.
The final whistle confirmed another trophy for Inter Miami, who qualified for the Campeones Cup after winning the 2025 MLS Cup.
