Lionel Messi scored with a rare header and later set up Casemiro as Inter Miami defeated Cruz Azul 2-0 on Wednesday to win the Campeones Cup for the first time.
The victory, which pits the reigning Major League Soccer champions against Mexico’s Liga MX titleholders, marked Inter Miami’s first triumph in the competition. Messi’s opener was his 100th goal for the club, while a late header from Casemiro sealed the win.
The trophy was Messi’s first of the year, coming two months after Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.
After the match, Casemiro praised his 39-year-old teammate.
“We have to enjoy this because we don’t know how long we’ll have it,” the former Real Madrid midfielder said. “What he has done and continues to do for football is incredible. He remains the best.”
Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham also backed Messi for another Ballon d’Or, saying his performances at 39 remain extraordinary.
“He deserves to be considered for the Ballon d’Or. In my opinion, he should win it,” Beckham said.
Cruz Azul created the first major opportunity when Jose Paradela’s effort was saved at the near post by Miami goalkeeper Dayne St Clair.
Miami broke the deadlock in the 24th minute. Luis Suarez delivered a cross from the byline, and the 5-foot-7 Messi beat Willer Ditta to the ball before diving forward to head it into the net.
Messi thought he had doubled Miami’s advantage 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. Substitute Gabriel Fernandez’s header struck the post, while Casemiro blocked the follow-up attempt.
Miami eventually secured the victory in the 81st minute when Messi’s corner found Casemiro, who headed the ball low into the far corner.
St Clair made another important save late on, denying Paradela from a free kick to preserve Miami’s clean sheet.
New Coach, First Trophy
The Campeones Cup was Cristian “Kily” Gonzalez’s first match as Inter Miami head coach.
The Argentine was appointed last month but only began working with the squad this week after visa delays.
The Campeones Cup is contested annually between the previous season’s MLS Cup winner and the winner of Mexico’s Campeon de Campeones. The match was the eighth edition of the competition and was hosted by the MLS representative, as is customary.
