Lionel Messi scores 100th Inter Miami goal in 2-0 Campeones Cup victory over Cruz Azul

Match summary and milestone goal

Inter Miami defeated Mexican side Cruz Azul 2-0 on Wednesday night to win the Campeones Cup. Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the 24th minute, converting a cross from Luis Suárez with a header for his 100th goal in 115 appearances across all competitions for the club. The milestone arrived against the same opponent he faced on his Miami debut in July 2023, when he scored a stoppage-time free kick in a 2-1 win. Messi placed the ball into the net again during the first fifteen minutes of the second half after a solo run, but the assistant referee flagged him for offside. In the 81st minute, Casemiro sealed the victory by heading in a corner kick taken by Messi. The Brazilian midfielder has now scored four goals in his last five matches, with all four coming from headers.

Trophy totals and tournament record

The win marked the fourth piece of silverware for Inter Miami since Messi joined the team, adding to the 2023 Leagues Cup, the 2024 Supporters' Shield, and the 2025 MLS Cup won against the Vancouver Whitecaps. For Messi, the victory increased his career collection to 48 trophies according to Polish and Italian outlets, or 49 according to French and Romanian reports. His total includes 35 titles with FC Barcelona, six with the Argentina national team, four with Inter Miami, and three with Paris Saint-Germain. The goal was the 929th of his professional career, while Cristiano Ronaldo holds 979. The Campeones Cup, launched in 2018 between the champions of Major League Soccer and Liga MX, is not officially sanctioned by FIFA or CONCACAF. Wednesday's result leaves the eight-year series between the two leagues tied at 4-4.

FC Barcelona35

Argentina6

Inter Miami4

Paris Saint-Germain3

FC Barcelona

35 trophies

Argentina

6 trophies

Inter Miami

4 trophies

Paris Saint-Germain

3 trophies

Data from the article text

Post-match praise and Ballon d'Or backing

Messi earned the Most Valuable Player award for the match before teammates and club officials praised his performance. Casemiro addressed Messi's sustained impact on the sport in his post-game remarks.

“We have to enjoy this, because we do not know how long we will have it. What he has done and continues to do for football is incredible. He is still the best, he proved it at the World Cup and continues to prove it in MLS.”

Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham publicly endorsed Messi for a ninth career Ballon d'Or following the final. Beckham cited Messi's form at the World Cup, where the forward scored eight goals as Argentina reached the final.

“He was probably the best player of that tournament. He is 39 years old, and to have such an influence on every World Cup match like he did, that is something special. He deserves to be considered for the Ballon d'Or. In my opinion, he should win.”

Garber dispute and upcoming fixtures

Celebrations on the field were briefly interrupted by a confrontation between Messi and MLS Commissioner Don Garber. When Garber, who has led the North American league for 26 years, approached the trophy presentation, Messi pushed past him and told him "Not you with me" before pointing a finger at him moments later. The disagreement originated in July of the prior year, when Messi skipped the MLS All-Star Game to protect his fitness. Looking ahead, Messi announced his international retirement at the end of August and will play his final match for Argentina on 6 October in Buenos Aires. Inter Miami resumes domestic league play on Sunday against San Diego FC at Nu Stadium, entering the match in second place in the MLS Eastern Conference.