Lionel Messi Reaches Century Milestone as Inter Miami Claims Campeones Cup Glory

Lionel Messi notched his 100th goal for Inter Miami, leading the MLS side to a decisive 2-0 triumph over Cruz Azul to secure the Campeones Cup final. The legendary Argentine opened the scoring in the 24th minute with a header from a Luis Suarez cross, marking his century mark in 115 appearances for the club.

Casemiro, who transferred in the summer from Manchester United, doubled the lead in the 81st minute by heading in a corner kick delivered by Messi. The Brazilian midfielder has now netted four consecutive goals via headers across his last five appearances.

This triumph adds another trophy to Inter Miami's cabinet following Messi's arrival three years prior. The franchise previously captured the Leagues Cup in 2023, the Supporters’ Shield in 2024, and the MLS Cup in 2025, bringing Messi's career trophy count to an astounding 48.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner's remarkable career includes 10 LaLiga titles and four Uefa Champions League crowns with Barcelona, two Ligue 1 titles with Paris Saint-Germain, alongside historic international achievements with Argentina, highlighted by the 2022 World Cup triumph and Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024.

Earlier in the month, the 39-year-old Messi concluded his international career, playing his final match in the 2026 World Cup final defeat against Spain. He retired as Argentina's record appearance maker and leading scorer, registering 125 goals across 207 caps.

This encounter marked the eighth edition of the Campeones Cup, hosted annually by the MLS club. Mexican sides had claimed the previous three tournaments prior to Miami's victory on Wednesday. Cruz Azul remains without a Campeones Cup title, having also dropped the 2021 final.