Full Breakdown
Messi’s 100th Inter Miami Goal Powers Campeones Cup Triumph
By Drooid · · How we work
The Milestone Match
Inter Miami CF defeated Liga MX champion Cruz Azul 2–0 in the 2026 Michelob ULTRA Campeones Cup at Nu Stadium. Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the 24th minute with a header from a Luis Suárez cross, marking his 100th goal for Miami in 115 appearances. Casemiro added a second in the 81st minute, heading home a corner delivered by Messi. The win gave Miami its first Campeones Cup and the fourth major trophy earned during Messi’s tenure.
Background & Context
Messi arrived in South Florida in the summer of 2023, instantly elevating Inter Miami’s profile. Since then the club has captured the 2023 Leagues Cup, the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield, the 2025 MLS Cup, and now the 2026 Campeones Cup. The match also marked the first competitive appearance for head coach Cristian “Kily” González, who assumed full duties after his work-permit delay was resolved.
Data & Statistics
- 100 goals in 115 games for Inter Miami – the fastest century of his club career.
- Goal breakdown: 76 MLS, 14 Leagues Cup, 8 Concacaf Champions Cup, 1 FIFA Club World Cup.
- 2026 MLS tally: 19 goals and 13 assists, league-leading.
- Casemiro’s recent form: four goals in his last five matches, all from headers.
Official Statements & Responses
Head coach González called the victory a “huge morale boost” and said the team must “keep going” after securing the trophy. Casemiro noted, “We have to enjoy this because we don’t know how long we’ll have it.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “When you see him do things like this, when you see him have the World Cup that he's had, there is no one at 39 that's doing that, and doing it at that level,” — David Beckham
- “Leo [Messi] told me I was going to become a champion, and he made it happen,” — Cristian “Kily” González
Why It Matters
Messi’s 100th goal and the Campeones Cup reinforce his candidacy for a ninth Ballon d’Or and highlight MLS’s growing global stature. For Inter Miami, the trophy adds to a rapid collection of silverware that has transformed the club’s brand and marketability.
What’s Next
Messi’s international retirement will be capped by a friendly against Benin on October 6, his final appearance for Argentina. Inter Miami’s schedule resumes with a home MLS fixture against San Diego FC at Nu Stadium, where the team will look to extend its early-season momentum under González.