MESSI WINS 49TH CAREER TROPHY AS INTER MIAMI BEAT CRUZ AZUL 2-0 IN CAMPEONES CUP

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By ‘Sefiu Ajape

Lionel Messi added another trophy to his remarkable collection on Wednesday after leading Inter Miami to a 2-0 victory over Cruz Azul in the 2026 Campeones Cup.

Messi scored the opening goal and provided the assist for Casemiro’s second-half strike as Inter Miami claimed their first Campeones Cup title at Nu Stadium.

The victory took Messi’s career trophy haul to 49, according to multiple reports, while also giving him his first silverware of 2026.

Messi scores 100th Inter Miami goal

Messi opened the scoring in the 24th minute with a header from inside the box after Luis Suarez delivered a cross.

The goal was his 100th for Inter Miami in 115 appearances across all competitions, making him the first player in the club’s history to reach the milestone.

The achievement also carried a fitting connection to Messi’s Inter Miami career, as his first goal for the club came against Cruz Azul in the 2023 Leagues Cup. He scored a stoppage-time free kick to give Inter Miami a 2-1 victory in that encounter.

Messi assists Casemiro to seal victory

Cruz Azul struggled to find an equaliser as Inter Miami held onto their lead through the second half.

Messi then provided another decisive contribution in the 81st minute, sending in a corner from the left that Casemiro headed home to double Inter Miami’s advantage.

The victory marked Inter Miami’s first Campeones Cup title and extended the club’s run of winning a trophy in every season since Messi arrived in 2023. The club previously won the 2023 Leagues Cup, 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield and 2025 MLS Cup.

For Messi, the night combined two major milestones—his 100th goal for Inter Miami and his 49th career trophy.