Football / Lionel Messi’s Landmark Goal Seals Campeones Cup for Inter Miami

Miami, Sep 17: Lionel Messi reached yet another historic milestone on Thursday night, netting his 100th goal for Inter Miami as the club defeated Cruz Azul 2-0 to capture their fifth Campeones Cup crown.

Messi struck in the 24th minute, heading home a precise cross from Luis Suárez to give Miami the lead at Nu Stadium. Casemiro sealed the victory in the 81st minute, rising above defenders to nod in a corner delivered by Messi.

It was Casemiro’s fourth goal since joining the club this summer, while Messi registered his 15th assist of the 2026 season.

Also read: One Last Roar! Lionel Messi’s Argentina Farewell to Rock Buenos Aires

The Argentine superstar’s milestone makes him the first player in Inter Miami’s history to reach 100 goals, achieved in just 115 appearances across all competitions. His tally spans four seasons: 11 goals in 2023, 23 in 2024, 43 in 2025, and 23 so far in 2026.

Messi’s arrival in South Florida in 2023 marked the beginning of a golden era for the club. He captained Miami to its first four trophies — the 2023 League Cup, the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield, the 2025 Eastern Conference title, and the 2025 MLS Cup — before adding the Campeones Cup to the collection.

Cruz Azul threatened early, with Jose Paradela testing goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair in the sixth minute, but the Miami shot-stopper produced a fine save. St. Clair went on to make six saves in total, including a crucial stoppage-time block to preserve the clean sheet.

The triumph also marked a winning debut for new head coach Cristian Gonzalez, who took charge of Inter Miami for the first time in the championship match.

With Messi’s century of goals and another trophy secured, Inter Miami’s dominance continues to grow, powered by the brilliance of its captain and the strength of its new additions.

(IANS)