Inter Miami Win the Campeones Cup as Lionel Messi Reaches 49th Career Trophy
Inter Miami lifted the Campeones Cup for the first time after defeating Liga MX champions Cruz Azul 2-0 at Nu Stadium in Miami, Florida. Lionel Messi opened the scoring, while Casemiro added the second goal late in the match to secure the title for the MLS side.
The game brought together the reigning MLS champions and the latest winners of Mexico’s Liga MX. Inter Miami entered the contest with Messi leading the attack, while Cruz Azul hoped to continue Liga MX’s strong record in the competition.
Messi broke the deadlock in the 24th minute. The goal marked his 100th for Inter Miami, another significant milestone in an already historic career. The Argentine forward once again demonstrated his influence in a decisive final, giving his team control of the match.
Cruz Azul attempted to respond after the interval, but Inter Miami remained organized and limited the Mexican side’s clear opportunities. The Florida club protected its narrow advantage and looked increasingly dangerous as the match progressed.
The decisive moment arrived in the 81st minute. Messi provided the assist, and Casemiro finished the move to double Inter Miami’s lead. The Brazilian midfielder’s goal effectively settled the contest and ensured that the trophy would remain in Miami.
With the 2-0 victory, Inter Miami claimed the Campeones Cup for the first time in club history. The triumph also added another major achievement to the rapidly expanding honors list of the MLS organization.
The competition has been staged since 2018 and has traditionally showcased the rivalry between the leading clubs of Major League Soccer and Liga MX. Before Inter Miami’s success, MLS teams had won the trophy four times, while Mexican clubs had also collected four titles.
Tigres had won the competition twice. Atlanta United, Columbus Crew, New York City FC, Club América and Deportivo Toluca were the other teams to lift the trophy before Inter Miami’s breakthrough triumph.
For Messi, the victory represented the 49th trophy of his professional career. His collection includes the FIFA World Cup, two Copa América titles, four UEFA Champions League trophies, ten LaLiga championships and two Ligue 1 crowns.
The Argentine superstar has also won three UEFA Super Cups, three FIFA Club World Cups, seven Copa del Rey titles, eight Spanish Super Cups, the FIFA Under-20 World Cup, the Supporters’ Shield, the Leagues Cup, the Finalissima, the French Super Cup and the MLS Eastern Conference title.
Messi captured the 48th trophy of his career after helping Inter Miami win the MLS championship in 2025. His latest success in the Campeones Cup moved him one step closer to another remarkable landmark, further strengthening his status as one of football’s most decorated players.
A historic milestone for Inter Miami
Inter Miami’s first Campeones Cup victory is particularly significant because the club has rapidly transformed from a relatively young MLS franchise into an international football brand. Messi’s arrival played a central role in that development, attracting global attention and raising expectations around every major fixture.
The result also highlighted the importance of experience in high-pressure matches. Inter Miami remained patient after taking the lead and avoided unnecessary risks. Instead of chasing a second goal immediately, the team focused on maintaining its structure before taking advantage of spaces late in the game.
Messi’s continuing influence
Although Messi’s goal was the headline moment, his assist for Casemiro showed another aspect of his contribution. The forward continues to influence matches not only through finishing but also through vision, passing and the ability to create decisive chances for teammates.
His 100th Inter Miami goal further underlined the remarkable efficiency of his spell in the United States. Despite being in the later stages of his career, Messi continues to produce important goals and performances in title matches.
What the victory means for MLS
Inter Miami’s success strengthens the reputation of MLS on the international stage. Beating the reigning Liga MX champion in a competitive final demonstrates that the gap between the two leagues can narrow when MLS clubs combine elite talent with tactical discipline.
The triumph may also encourage other American clubs to invest more heavily in experienced international players while developing stronger squad depth. Matches against Liga MX opposition offer valuable tests and help create a more competitive North American football landscape.
Cruz Azul left to regroup
For Cruz Azul, the defeat ended the team’s hopes of adding another Campeones Cup to the Liga MX record. The Mexican side struggled to turn possession into clear chances and was unable to recover after Messi’s opening goal.
Nevertheless, the match provided Cruz Azul with valuable experience against a team featuring one of the world’s most influential players. The club will now focus on its domestic campaign and look to convert lessons from the final into improved performances in future competitions.