Lionel Messi's 100th career Inter Miami goal leads Campeones Cup win over Mexico's Cruz Azul

With a chance to shine again on an international stage, Lionel Messi delivered Wednesday night. This time he did so for his club team, Inter Miami with a sensational header and an assist to lead a 2-0 win over Cruz Azul in the Campeones Cup. The Campeones Cup is an annual match that's been held since 2018. It pits the reigning MLS Cup champion against LIGA MX's reigning Campeón de Campeones winner. In this instance, that meant Messi's Inter Miami against Mexico’s Cruz Azul. The match was locked in a scoreless tie in the 24th minute at Inter Miami's Nu Stadium when Messi got the home team on the board. Luis Suárez delivered a cross from the right baseline that Messi sent to the back of the net with a surging header in traffic. MESSI HEADS IT IN! 😱 Leo's 100th career goal for @InterMiamiCF opens the scoring against Cruz Azul in @CampeonesCup . pic.twitter.com/M1cI6nOIhC — Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 17, 2026 The goal was the 100th of Messi's Inter Miami career. Then, with a chance to add insurance, Messi delivered again in the second half. This time, he set up Casemiro for a header with a corner kick in the 81st minute. Messi to Casemiro! 🤝 These two link up again for Casemiro's fourth goal in five games and @InterMiamiCF leads Cruz Azul 2-0 in @CampeonesCup . pic.twitter.com/HoHuHTyEMQ — Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 17, 2026 Casemiro put the ball in the right side of the net for a 2-0 lead that all but slammed the door shut on Inter Miami’s win.