With the 1-1 tie against Nashville SC at home, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami waved goodbye to their 2026 Concacaf Champions Cuphopes. On Bolavip we take a look at Messi’s last major continental championship.
Without taking Messi’s Leagues Cup conquest with Inter Miami into account, the last time the Argentinian conquered a global championship in his career was in 2015. That season, Messi led Barcelona to a UEFA Champions League title (the fourth of his career) and a UEFA Super Cup.
Messi and Barcelona topped it all off with a championship in the FIFA Club World Cup. That was the last time Messi hoisted a major continental or global trophy in his career.
Messi has yet to win continental club title since 2015
Since 2015, Messi has only been treated to heartbreaking eliminations in the club continental stage. As Inter Miami lost on a 1-1 aggregate due to away goal tiebreaker, Messi and the Herons suffered yet another disappointing outcome. Not even the fact Messi scored the 900th goal in his career helped Inter Miami get past Nashville SC.
As Inter Miami were knocked out of the tournament by Nashville SC, Messi and the Herons missed a great chance to make history. Only three MLS clubs have ever won the Concacaf Champions Cup (DC United in 1998, LA Galaxy in 2000, and Seattle Sounders in 2022).
In 2026, Inter Miami let an unsurpassable opportunity slip through their fingers. Messi’s 900th career goal drew the ultimate praise from Nashville head coach B.J. Callaghan but it wasn’t enough for Inter Miami. Now, it begs the question: If that wasn’t enough, what will be?
How can Inter Miami qualify for 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup?
After the heartbreaking ending to the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup, Inter Miami shifts their focus to the MLS season. However, Messi and the Herons will also keep a close eye on the qualification for next year’s continental tournament. Inter Miami can clinch a berth in the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup through different routes:
- If Inter Miami win the 2026 MLS Cup
- If Inter Miami win the regular season conference championship
- If Inter Miami finish among the top two teams (not already qualified) in regular season points
- If Inter Miami win 2026 Leagues Cup or finish as runners-up or in third place