Inter Miami CF secured a 2-0 victory over LIGA MX side Cruz Azul tonight in the 2026 Michelob ULTRA Campeones Cup to clinch a fifth title in Club history. Goals from captain Leo Messi, who made history in the process by becoming the first Inter Miami player to reach 100 goals, and midfielder Casemiro secured the trophy for the team this evening at Nu Stadium. Additionally, the championship match also presented a winning debut for new head coach Cristian “Kily” González in his first match at the helm.
Lineup Notes
Inter Miami took the field with Dayne St. Clair in goal; Facundo Mura, Maximiliano Falcón, Casemiro, and Fricio Caicedo formed the back four; Rodrigo De Paul, Yannick Bright, and Matías Galarza started in midfield; Messi, Luis Suárez, Germán Berterame led the team in attack.
Notably, recently signed Paraguayan international midfielder Galarza featured in an Inter Miami starting XI for the first time tonight.
Match Action
The visitors had an early chance in the sixth minute, but the attempt from José Paradela was denied by a fine save from St. Clair.
Inter Miami broke the deadlock in the 24th with a team play that was capped off by Suárez playing in a precise ball from the right flank for Messi to strike with a header from the center of the box. The goal saw our captain make history yet again, as he became the first player in Club history to reach 100 goals. Messi achieved the feat in 115 appearances across all competitions, with his record 100 goals being broken down as follows: 11 goals in 2023, 23 goals in 2024, 43 goals in 2025, and 23 goals so far in 2026.
The 1-0 scoreline held through halftime and through the majority of the second half, until Inter Miami extended its lead in the final stretch of the match.
In the 81st minute, Messi whipped in a corner from the left, followed by a towering header from Casemiro to double Inter Miami’s advantage. The goal was the fourth one for Casemiro since his summer arrival, while the assist took Messi’s tally to 15 across all competitions this 2026 season.
St. Clair then contributed a key intervention in the final minutes to preserve the team’s clean sheet, flying to save a free kick from Cruz Azul in stoppage time. In all, the Canadian international goalkeeper posted six saves tonight to help Inter Miami clinch the 2026 Michelob ULTRA Campeones Cup title.
Next Up
Next, Inter Miami will host San Diego FC this Sunday, Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. ET in an evening that will see the Hispanic Heritage Night presented by Modelo theme night take over Nu Stadium. Secure your single-match tickets for the match HERE!
Stats
Possession:
MIA - 48%
CAZ - 52%
Shots:
MIA - 7
CAZ - 18
Saves:
MIA - 6
CAZ - 0
Corners:
MIA - 4
CAZ - 6
Fouls:
MIA - 13
CAZ - 15
