Inspired by a goal and an assist from Lionel Messi, Inter Miami claimed the ‘Campeones Cup’ on Wednesday with a 2-0 victory over Cruz Azul at Miami’s Nu Stadium, getting Argentine head coach Cristian ‘Kily’ Gonzalez off to a dream start.
Headed home in the first half from a Luis Suárez cross, Messi’s opener was his 100th goal in the colours of Inter Miami, whom he joined in the summer of 2023 after leaving Paris Saint-Germain. In a fitting twist of fate, Cruz Azul were also his very first victims when making his Florida debut.
With ten minutes remaining, Brazilian midfielder Casemiro made sure of the result by powering home a corner expertly delivered by the Argentine.
This Campeones Cup triumph earns Inter Miami their first piece of silverware this season and provides a welcome breath of fresh air for a squad assembled to dominate the continent, but which had struggled to find its rhythm since the turn of the year.
It represents the fourth piece of silverware lifted by Lionel Messi in the pink shirt, following the 2023 Leagues Cup, the 2024 Supporters’ Shield, and the 2025 MLS Cup.