MIAMI — Lionel Messi reached another career milestone Wednesday night, scoring his 100th goal for Inter Miami CF as the Herons defeated Cruz Azul 2-0 to capture the 2026 Michelob ULTRA Campeones Cup at Nu Stadium.
Playing in front of 26,495 fans, Inter Miami lifted its first trophy at its new home behind goals from Messi and Casemiro.
Messi opened the scoring in the 24th minute. Luis Suárez delivered a cross into the penalty area, where Messi found space between the Cruz Azul defenders and headed the ball into the net for the landmark goal.
The strike gave Messi 100 goals for Inter Miami across all competitions, adding another achievement to his tenure with the club.
Cruz Azul remained within striking distance and created opportunities to equalize, but Miami’s defense kept the Liga MX side off the scoreboard.
Inter finally put the match away in the 81st minute, with Messi playing the role of provider. His corner kick found Casemiro, who headed home Miami’s second goal to give the hosts some breathing room heading into the closing stages.
The 2-0 victory secured another trophy for Inter Miami while giving the club its first championship celebration at Nu Stadium.
For Messi, the evening provided another milestone in an Inter Miami career that has transformed the club since his arrival. After scoring the opening goal, the Argentine star contributed directly to both Miami goals by providing the assist on Casemiro’s late header.
The victory also gave Major League Soccer bragging rights in the annual Campeones Cup matchup between representatives from MLS and Liga MX.
With Cruz Azul unable to find a response over the final minutes, the whistle brought the 26,495 supporters in attendance to their feet as Inter Miami celebrated a 2-0 victory and another piece of silverware.
For Miami, it was a night defined by a championship, a first trophy at its new stadium and another piece of history from Lionel Messi.
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