Lionel Messi did it again. The greatest player in the history of the sport, at 39 years old, dominated the pitch against Cruz Azul as Inter Miami won 2-0, capturing its fifth trophy since Lionel Messi’s arrival and becoming Campeones Cup champions.
Messi scored his 100th MLS goal in the 23rd minute to give Inter Miami a 1-0 lead. He became the fastest player in MLS history to score 100 goals. Messi was making plays all over the field. He even delivered a beautiful 40-plus-yard pass to Suárez, perfectly placing the ball in front of him, but Suárez squandered the opportunity. In the second half, Messi also had a goal disallowed for offside.
Inter Miami would leave no doubt and put the game away when Messi’s corner kick in the 82nd minute found Casemiro for a beautiful header and a 2-0 lead. Cruz Azul was unable to capitalize on its few chances, including a shot that hit the post and a free kick that was saved by Dayne St. Clair.
Messi, of course, won MVP of the match and now has a record-breaking 49 trophies, along with 929 career goals and 424 assists.
What is incredible is the turnaround for Inter Miami under Messi. A team that was dead last in the Eastern Conference has since won five trophies:
2023 Leagues Cup
2023/24 Supporters’ Shield
MLS Eastern Conference
2024/25 MLS Cup
2026 Campeones Cup
Messi finished the game with an 8.7 match rating as he continues to defy Father Time and play like the best player in the world. Messi, who had a red-hot World Cup run, has continued his dominance in MLS, recording 10 goals and eight assists in Inter Miami’s last 12 games. His MVP-level play has earned him a Ballon d’Or nomination.
Casemiro, who won his first trophy with Inter Miami, had this to say about Messi’s nomination after the big win against Cruz Azul:
“Messi winning the Ballon d’Or? With him, anything is possible… What he did at the World Cup, WOW. But that’s up to the voters; I wish him all the best. But I just want voters and people to see and UNDERSTAND what he did at the World Cup.”
It is insane that we are talking about a Ballon d’Or candidate who is 39 years old. But this is Lionel Messi, and Messi is redefining greatness as he continues to break records, win trophies and championships, and make magical moments look routine.
Enjoy this, Miami fans. Fútbol will never see this again.
