▲ Lionel Messi, named the MVP of the 2026 Campeones Cup
Inter Miami of Major League Soccer (MLS) secured their first-ever Campeones Cup title, powered by a masterclass of one goal and one assist from captain Lionel Messi.
Inter Miami defeated Cruz Azul of Mexico 2-0 in the final of the 2026 Campeones Cup held at Nu Stadium in Miami, Florida, on the 17th (Korean time), lifting the championship trophy.
Appearing in the tournament for the first time, Inter Miami claimed victory in their debut appearance.
The Campeones Cup is a single-match showdown between the MLS champion and the Liga MX champion of Mexico, marking its 8th edition this year.
This year's match brought together Inter Miami, the 2025 MLS Cup champions, and Cruz Azul, the winners of the 2026 Campeon de Campeones.
The savior for Inter Miami was undoubtedly Messi.
In the 24th minute of the first half, Messi headed in a cross from Luis Suarez to score the opening and winning goal.
This marks his 100th career goal in official matches, achieved in his 115th appearance wearing the Inter Miami uniform.
Coincidentally, Messi scored his debut goal for Inter Miami with a dramatic free-kick right before the final whistle against Cruz Azul—their opponent in the Leagues Cup group stage—during his debut match on July 16, 2023, making this milestone even more special.
Inter Miami sealed the 2-0 victory in the 36th minute of the second half when Casemiro headed in an additional goal from a corner kick delivered by Messi.
Having recorded the opening winner and an assist for the second goal, Messi played a pivotal role in the team's victory and was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP).
Starting with the Leagues Cup in 2023, the year Messi joined, Inter Miami has been steadily adding major trophies to their cabinet, including the Supporters' Shield in 2024, the MLS Cup in 2025, and now the Campeones Cup.
(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
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