One of the world’s greatest-ever players, Messi stepped up once again on the sport’s biggest stage. He scored his 100th goal for Inter Miami CF and added an assist in guiding MLS’s club to a 2-0 win over Mexico’s Copa Campeones winners Cruz Azul in the 2026 Campeones Cup final. The annual heavyweight affair, between defending MLS Cup holders and Mexico’s Campeones de Campeones winners, turned into another legendary final flourish for arguably the game’s greatest ever player in South Florida. (Inter Miami CF Official Website)
Struck from the skies: One to strike before the break, Luis Suarez’s surge in the box before providing a sublime cross into the area in the 24th minute. Messi beat his marker to connect with a strong header past keeper Kevin Mier, giving Inter Miami the lead. The goal was the 100th in Messi’s Inter Miami career, having netted in his 115th appearance for the club across all competitions, in a tie-up with the very same outfit he scored his inaugural Miami goal against in July of 2023. (Inter Miami CF Official Website)
Inter Miami’s defense withstood the attacks by Cruz Azul on their goal for an equalizing goal. But it was Messi who solved the deadlock for his team in the 81st minute after executing a perfectly delivered corner kick to find Casemiro. The win brought to an end Inter Miami’s run of two domestic cups, to date, while adding the club’s 4th major trophy in the Messi era after the 2023 Leagues Cup, 2024 Supporters’ Shield, and 2025 MLS Cup triumphs. (The Sunday Guardian)
The victory was also a triumphant debut for new head coach Cristian “Kily” Gonzlez.
On a personal note, the Copa Campeones trophy extended the 36-year-old forward’s already staggering collection of 49 senior international and club trophies, making him the most decorated player in professional history. (India Today)
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