Lionel Messi led Inter Miami to a 2-0 victory over Cruz Azul in the 2026 edition of the Campeones Cup. The Argentine opened the scoring and later provided the assist for Casemiro to seal the win for the MLS side against a Cruz Azul team that paid a heavy price for its errors.
Backed by the energy of their fans at Nu Stadium, Cruz Azul created the first dangerous chance just five minutes in. Jeremy Márquez broke down the right flank and sent a cutback to José Paradela, who unleashed a powerful shot that was parried away by Dayne St. Clair.
Mexican dominance waned as the minutes ticked by. Inter Miami found their primary outlets in Rodrigo de Paul, Lionel Messi, and Luis Suárez, beginning to threaten Kevin Mier’s goal.
A combination play between Suárez and Messi produced the opening goal in the 24th minute. The Uruguayan broke down the right wing and crossed into the box, where the Argentine caught Willer Ditta off guard, connecting with a header to beat Mier.
Cruz Azul sought a second-half comeback by bringing on Gonzalo Piovi and Omar Campos in place of Jesús Orozco Chiquete and Carlos Rotondi. Later, Joel Huiqui sent Alan Mozo and Gabriel Fernández onto the pitch; Fernández struck the post in the 66th minute—Cruz Azul’s most dangerous opportunity of the match.
Just as Cruz Azul was enjoying a spell of greater possession, Messi stepped up again. The Argentine took a corner kick in the 80th minute, and Casemiro found space inside the box to connect with a header and make it 2-0.
Inter Miami controlled the final minutes. Although they conceded possession at times, they tightened their defensive shape and stifled Cruz Azul’s attempts to score.
