Lionel Messi, Inter Miami secure first title of 2026 with Campeones Cup win over Cruz Azul

Lionel Messi adds another trophy to his cabinet by securing the 2026 Campeones Cup with Inter Miami, also scoring his 100th goal with the Herons.

Thank you and see you next time!

With Lionel Messi and Casemiro scoring, Inter Miami defeat Cruz Azul in the 2026 Campeones Cup in Cristian Gonzalez's debut as coach of the Herons.

With two goals to score, Cruz Azul have lacked of the clarity needed to even put a little danger on Inter Miami's net, losing many battles in the midfield and being at risk of a third goal.

In a corner kick taken by Lionel Messi, Casemiro jumps completly alone in Cruz Azul's box, connects with the head and gets the second goal of the night for Inter Miami.

In a quick attack by Inter Miami, Lionel Messi takes the ball all the way from the midfield to the rival's box, assists Luis Suarez, but the striker sends his shot far above from the goal.

Through several crosses from the right side by Mozo, Cruz Azul have had some dangerous chances against Inter Miami's net, but the draw has not arrived for the Liga MX side yet.

Mozo sends a terrific cross from the right side of the field, Fernandez connects with the head, but his attempt hists the post and saves Inter Miami from the draw.

Neither Inter Miami or Cruz Azul have much clarity on the field, with many balls lost and fouls provoked by the desperation.

Suarez passes a deep ball to Messi, who takes it all the way to Cruz Azul's box and beats Mier, but the captain was in offside and his goal gets cancelled.

Ibanez wins the battle against an Inter Miami defender, but the striker gets desperate and shoots with no goal direction at all.

Inter Miami and Cruz Azul start the second half of the 2026 Campeones Cup.

With a brilliant header by Lionel Messi, Inter Miami goes to halftime with the lead over Cruz Azul. Stay tuned for a thrilling second half at Nu Stadium!

The Cruz Azul player with a powerful shot from outside the box that makes St. Clair fly in the air to send the ball to a corner kick. The most dangerous attempt from the Liga MX side so far.

Palavecino makes a brilliant solo play to avoid two defenders and shoot just outside the box, but St. Clair stops it correctly.

Suarez receives a long pass from Messi, but the striker tries to assist Berterame instead of shooting and the ball gets cleared in the line.

Cruz Azul are trying to quickly get the draw, but their attempts have not been good or with a clear threat against St. Clair's goal.

Lionel Messi scores a brilliant header after a great cross by Luis Suarez. The captain reaches 100 goals with Inter Miami.

In a solo play, Galarza shoots with the left leg, but his shot lacks of power and Mier receives the ball with no problem at all.

Rotondi receives a great cross on the left side of the box and shoots the ball immediately, but St. Clair is well positioned and catches the sphere.

Both clubs want the 2026 Campeones Cup, with many fouls provoked by their desperate need of maintaining the ball and avoid letting the rivals get clear chances.

Paradela appears alone in the box to shoot, but his attempt gets deflected and goes to corner kick.

With "Azul, Azul!" chants, fans of the Liga MX club are trying to let their team feel at home and Cruz Azul look better in this start.

Inter Miami and Cruz Azul start the action at Nu Stadium! Do not miss a single moment of this thrilling game for the 2026 Campeones Cup!

The stage is set for another clash between MLS and Liga MX. Who will win the 2026 Campeones Cup? The game is about to start!

Cruz Azul will face Inter Miami with the following starting XI: Mier; Marquez, Ditta, Orozco, Garcia, Rotondi; Paradela, Palavecino, Lira, Rodriguez; Ibanez.

Inter Miami have confirmed their starting lineup to face Cruz Azul: St. Clair; Mura, Falcon, Casemiro, Caicedo; Galarza, De Paul, Bright; Suarez, Berterame, Messi.

Liga MX clubs have won the three most recent Campeones Cup. The last time an MLS club won the title was in 2022 when New York City FC defeated Atlas.

The Campeones Cup is not recognized as an official title by either FIFA or CONCACAF. However, for the MLS side carries a $240,000 prize pool for participating and $100,000 more if the title arrives to be split among the players, while the exact financial incentive for the Liga MX side remains undisclosed.

Nu Stadium will host this match between Inter Miami and Cruz Azul, and there are no signs of start time delay due to weather.

The 2026 Campeones Cup clash between Inter Miami and Cruz Azul will stream exclusively on Apple TV.

The game is scheduled to start at 8:00 pm ET at Nu Stadium.

Welcome to our live coverage of the game between Inter Miami and Cruz Azul for the 2026 Campeones Cup! Stay tuned for all the minute-by-minute updates of this thrilling match!