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Inter Miami wins 2026 Campeones Cup with Messi’s 100th goal

By Drooid · Sep 17, 2026, 2:13 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Messi Scores 100th

Inter Miami defeated Cruz Azul 2–0 to win the 2026 Campeones Cup.
Lionel Messi, 39, scored his 100th Inter Miami goal and provided the assist for the second goal.
David Beckham, Inter Miami co-owner, said Messi deserves the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
Messi’s performance helped Argentina reach the 2026 World Cup final, where they lost 1–0 to Spain.

Summary

Gonzalez Wins Cup

Cristian “Kily” González earned his first win as Inter Miami head coach in the Campeones Cup debut.
He arrived on Tuesday but could not assume duties until his work permit cleared.
The victory gave Inter Miami its first Campeones Cup title since 2018.
Owner Jorge Mas said the Nu Stadium’s first trophy validates the club’s long-term vision.
League officials confirmed the Campeones Cup is official under the MLS-Liga MX agreement.

History

Historical Context

The Campeones Cup debuted in 2018 when MLS champion Toronto FC faced Liga MX's Club América, with América winning 3–1. The inaugural agreement allocated $5 million in shared revenue to both leagues, and MLS commissioner Don Garber highlighted its commercial promise. Inter Miami’s 2026 triumph, powered by Lionel Messi’s 100th club goal and David Beckham’s ownership, mirrors the original cross-border rivalry envisioned in 2018. Jorge Mas’s celebration of the first trophy under coach Cristian González signals MLS’s expanding influence and foreshadows deeper North American soccer integration.

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Messi Scores 100th

Inter Miami defeated Cruz Azul 2–0 to win the 2026 Campeones Cup.
Lionel Messi, 39, scored his 100th Inter Miami goal and provided the assist for the second goal.
David Beckham, Inter Miami co-owner, said Messi deserves the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
Messi’s performance helped Argentina reach the 2026 World Cup final, where they lost 1–0 to Spain.

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