Messi heads Inter Miami to Campeones Cup triumph - EWN

MIAMI - Lionel Messi headed a goal and provided an assist as Inter Miami won the Campeones Cup on Wednesday, beating Cruz Azul 2-0 in the annual clash between Major League Soccer and Mexican Liga MX champions.

It was Inter Miami's first Campeones Cup triumph and came thanks to the Argentine superstar's 100th goal for the reigning MLS Cup winners. A late Messi corner was headed home by Casemiro to seal the win.

Victory gave Messi his first trophy of the year, two months after the heartbreak of losing the 2026 World Cup final to Spain with Argentina.

The trophy came in new head coach Cristian "Kily" Gonzalez's first game in charge of Miami.

Argentine manager Gonzalez was appointed last month, but due to visa delays only took his first training sessions this week.

Cruz Azul had the game's first big chance, Jose Paradela's shot saved at the near post by Miami goalkeeper Dayne St Clair.

Miami's opener came in the 24th minute. Though the goalscorer was no surprise, it was a rare Messi header that broke the deadlock.