“When you watch him deliver on nights like this, or recall what he did at the World Cup, his inclusion in the Ballon d’Or discussion isn’t luck,” Beckham told Apple TV following Miami’s 2-0 victory. “He was the best player in this tournament at 39 years old. The impact he had on the World Cup was extraordinary, nobody else is performing at this level at his age. In my opinion, he deserves to win it.“

Beyond the trophy itself, Messi reached a monumental milestone during the match, tallying his 100th career goal for Inter Miami while adding another record to his MLS resume. The performance offered yet another reminder that for the timeless superstar, age remains secondary to generational talent.

While debate continues over parallel achievements by Cristiano Ronaldo with Al Nassr, the larger narrative centers on appreciation. With both legends nearing the sunset of their legendary careers, these historic moments deserve to be savored before the era officially draws to a close.

Casemiro’s thoughts on Messi winning Ballon d’Or

Once fiercest rivals in El Clasico—with Messi representing Barcelona and Casemiro anchoring Real Madrid—the Brazilian midfielder now shares the pitch with the maestro, gaining a firsthand perspective on his sustained greatness.

“We just have to enjoy him and be grateful for what he does on the field. Having him as a teammate makes everything easier,” Casemiro said in his postmatch interview on Apple TV. “I can’t decide who wins the Ballon d’Or, but as his teammate, I certainly hope he takes it. Above all, we just need to appreciate what he’s doing.”

As the race for football’s top individual honor takes shape, Messi re-enters an elite field alongside contenders like Lamine Yamal, while iconic names like Ronaldo were notably left off this year’s shortlist.

Make no mistake, Messi and Inter Miami are far from done. In fact, they could add even more silverware to their cabinets before the year comes to an end. The Herons haves struggled as of late, but perhaps Cristian “Kily” Gonzalez’s arrival with a trophy underneath his arm will change the course of the season.

As if the championship win over Cruz Azul wasn’t enough, Inter Miami have two more competitions up for grabs before the new year. What if the 2026 Campeones Cup, even if it doesn’t count as an official title, opened the floodgates for the Herons? Moving forward, Messi and company will be competing for the Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup.

How can Inter Miami win more titles in 2026?

The Supporters’ Shield is awarded to the MLS club that finishes the regular season with the best record, not just in either conference, but across the entire league. As things stand, Inter Miami have some work to do. Winless in their past three MLS outings, the Herons have lost a step in the race and are currently third in the Supporters’ Shield standings, nine points behind first-place Nashville SC.

As for the MLS Cup, Inter Miami could win it even if they don’t finish first overall or first in the Eastern Conference. All they need to do to qualify for the MLS Cup playoffs is finish among the top eight teams in the East. The eighth and ninth seeds face off in a single-game wild-card round. Once in the playoffs, all Inter Miami need to do is win.

Messi and Inter Miami have won both trophies before

Messi and the Herons have fond memories of both cups they can still add to their résumé this season. In 2024, Inter Miami finished with the best record in MLS, taking home the Supporters’ Shield. In 2025, they righted their wrongs in the playoffs and won the MLS Cup. As a matter of fact, that win was what secured the Herons their berth in the 2026 Campeones Cup.

If they win the 2026 MLS Cup, Inter Miami would punch their ticket to the 2027 Campeones Cup and potential back-to-back championships. No team has ever achieved that so far.

Every trophy Messi has won with Inter Miami

Since his arrival in Miami back in July 2023, Messi has shattered records left to right and added even more silverware onto a crammed cabinet many believed had not one inch left available for more trophies. One way or another, Messi found a way to fit new cups into it.

Messi has won four titles with the Herons: Leagues Cup (2023), Supporters’ Shield (2024), MLS Cup (2025), and Campeones Cup (2026). The win over Cruz Azul at Nu Stadium extended Messi and Inter Miami’s title streak to four years in a row. Far from satisfied, they could add to the list with the titles up for grabs in the domestic stage.

It’s not often Messi scores goals with his head. Whenever he does, however, it’s always in important games. The 2026 Campeones Cup, though not considered an official title by FIFA and Concacaf, was no different.

Once again, in a final, Messi rose to the occasion—literally. Just like he did in the 2008-09 UEFA Champions League final with Barcelona against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Manchester United. What better way for Messi to score his 100th goal for Inter Miami? As for his personal tally, it was Messi’s 925th goal. With Messi’s record against Liga MX clubs on the line, the Argentine magician took matters into his own hands.

Roles reversed

There wasn’t much Cruz Azul‘s players could do. All week, they had been preparing for certain looks on attack from Inter Miami, mainly Messi crossing balls into the box in search of Luis Suarez’s head. They had no plans if the roles were reversed.

Thus, when Suarez was the one who put a cross into the penalty box, who would’ve imagined Messi was going to be on the receiving end? Messi was faster to the ball than the defenders, and at point-blank range, there was no way he would miss the net.

Messi chases his fourth title with Inter Miami

Since arriving in Miami, Messi has won three trophies. His first was the 2023 Leagues Cup, followed by the Supporters’ Shield in 2024 and the 2025 MLS Cup. The 2026 Campeones Cup wouldn’t be quite as prestigious as the other championships, but it would extend Messi and the Herons’ streak to four straight years with trophies won.

Although fans wonder if the 2026 Campeones Cup counts as an official title or not, the Herons didn’t care about that technicality. All they cared about was delivering in front of their fans and securing the first trophy of the year. Far from done, Messi and Inter Miami can still win more titles in 2026.

A loss would not only have stained “Kily” Gonzalez’s debut in Inter Miami but also left a mark on Messi’s personal record against Liga MX clubs. Mission accomplished in every sense. Thanks to two headers from Messi and Casemiro, the Herons took down Cruz Azul in Miami, and hoisted yet another trophy, the fourth since Messi signed with Inter Miami in July 2023. As for the Mexican team, Cruz Azul fell in the Campeones Cup for the second time (2021).

Messi will captain Inter Miami against Cruz Azul today. A victory would give the Argentine superstar his fifth trophy with the Herons, though it represents a unique opportunity to claim non-official silverware on US soil.

With kickoff times and broadcast details now locked in for US viewers, both fanbases are eagerly awaiting to see which club will add another piece of hardware to its trophy case.

Messi has consistently tormented Liga MX opposition throughout his time in North America. Furthermore, he sits on the brink of another historic milestone, closing in on his 100th career goal for Inter Miami since arriving in the summer of 2023.

Lineups for Inter Miami and Cruz Azul

While Inter Miami feature a star-studded attack headlined by Messi and Luis Suarez, Cruz Azul boast plenty of firepower of their own heading into the Campeones Cup.

Here is how both clubs will line up for today’s match, where a win, tie or loss will have different implications for Inter Miami or Cruz Azul.

Inter Miami’s lineup: Dayne St. Clair; Facundo Mura, Casemiro, Maximiliano Falcon, Fricio Caicedo; Rodrigo De Paul, Yannick Bright, Matias Galarza; Lionel Messi, German Berterame, Luis Suarez.

Cruz Azul’s lineup: Kevin Mier, Willer Ditta, Jesus Orozco Chiquete, Erik Lira, Carlos Rotondi, Jeremy Marquez, Amaury Garcia, Carlos Rodriguez, Jose Paradela, Nicolas Ibanez, Agustin Palavecino.

How to watch Inter Miami vs Cruz Azul in the USA

Inter Miami vs Cruz Azul will be available to watch live in the United States through Apple TV, which is the official streaming home for the 2026 Campeones Cup.

Can I watch Inter Miami vs Cruz Azul for free?

Yes. There is currently a legal way to watch Inter Miami vs Cruz Azul without paying immediately: Apple TV is offering a seven-day free trial for the service. You can also follow our live blog of Inter Miami vs. Cruz Azul for minute-by-minute updates!

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Inter Miami and Cruz Azul meet at Nu Stadium on Wednesday, September 16, with the 2026 Campeones Cup trophy at stake. The competition brings together the reigning MLS Cup champion and the reigning Campeon de Campeones winners (the winner of the final between the two Liga MX champions of the year), making this a winner-take-all matchup rather than a league fixture or two-leg series. Is the Campeones Cup an official title? Not for FIFA, but these teams will still leave it all out on the field.

Inter Miami earned its place after winning the 2025 MLS Cup, while Cruz Azul qualified after beating Toluca in the Campeon de Campeones game in July. The timing gives the final even more importance for Cristian “Kily” Gonzalez in his debut at the helm of the Herons. A win is all that matters for Inter Miami against Cruz Azul today.

Lionel Messi‘s team enters the game after a difficult stretch in MLS, having won only one of its last five regular-season matches and recently drawing 2-2 with Nashville SC despite Messi scoring his 99th goal for Inter Miami. The Herons are still second in the Eastern Conference, but the gap to Nashville has grown, making the opportunity to win a trophy particularly valuable.

Kily Gonzalez has been appointed the club’s new head coach through June 2028, replacing interim manager Guillermo Hoyos. The former Argentina international is set to take charge for his first game with the Herons tonight, adding another storyline to an already significant final. It will also be an opportunity for Messi to improve his record against Mexican teams.

Cruz Azul, meanwhile, arrives with considerable momentum and the chance to add another international trophy to its recent success. The Mexican side is the reigning Liga MX champion and has also been in strong form heading into the Campeones Cup, including a recent 4-3 victory over Club America.

Inter Miami vs Cruz Azul: Lineups

Messi is starting for Inter Miami, who will field a strong lineup against Cruz Azul in their quest for another title.

Inter Miami’s starting eleven: Dayne St. Clair; Facundo Mura, Casemiro, Maximiliano Falcon, Fricio Caicedo; Rodrigo De Paul, Yannick Bright, Matias Galarza; Lionel Messi, German Berterame, Luis Suarez.

Cruz Azul’s starting lineup: Kevin Mier, Willer Ditta, Jesus Orozco Chiquete, Erik Lira, Carlos Rotondi, Jeremy Marquez, Amaury Garcia, Carlos Rodriguez, Jose Paradela, Nicolas Ibanez, Agustin Palavecino.

What time is the Inter Miami vs Cruz Azul match?

The Inter Miami vs Cruz Azul match kicks off on Wednesday, September 16, at 8:05 PM ET. Apple TV lists coverage beginning at 7:00 PM ET, with the actual kickoff scheduled for 8:05 PM.

• Eastern Time: 8:05 PM
• Central Time: 7:05 PM
• Mountain Time: 6:05 PM
• Pacific Time: 5:05 PM

In the eyes of FIFA, the Campeones Cup is not an official title. That’s because it is not sanctioned by Concacaf and, thus, lacks official status. At least, FIFA doesn’t recognize it as one. Ask MLS and Liga MX, however, and the answer will differ. Both leagues reached an agreement to have their league winners face off in an annual single-leg game, and in their eyes, it’s a valuable piece of silverware.

In 2026, Inter Miami beat Cruz Azul 2-0 to win the game. Whether FIFA dubs it an official title or not, the Herons celebrated after Messi’s header and assist paved the way.

To FIFA, the 2026 Campeones Cup may be nothing more than a product of a commercial agreement between the two major North American leagues, but the teams only saw that a trophy was on the line. Messi can still win more titles with Inter Miami in 2026, but he was definitely happy to get this one.

Campeones Cup history

While international competitions between MLS and Liga MX clubs have been around for a long time, the Campeones Cup has less than ten years of history. It was founded in 2018 as part of a partnership that also led to the All-Star Game between the two leagues’ best players.

Last season’s MLS Cup champion (Inter Miami won in 2025) took on Liga MX’s Campeón de Campeones, a final between the Apertura and Clausura champions in Mexico. Cruz Azul defeated Toluca by a score of 3-1 in that final last July 25, punching their ticket to face the Herons in the 2026 Campeones Cup.

Per the competition’s tradition, the MLS champion hosts the game. Perhaps it’s fair and a way to even the playing field, considering the MLS winner entering the Cup is playing a year removed from its conquest, while the Liga MX side was crowned just months ago. Still, just like with the Leagues Cup being played mostly on MLS soil, the favoring of U.S. and Canadian venues is a topic of conversation.

Campeones Cup champions

Though the Campeones Cup is still very young and not extravagantly prestigious, there is a slight pattern of Liga MX domination. A Mexican club has been crowned champion in four of the first seven editions, including a two-time champion (Tigres UANL).

Inter Miami tied the head-to-head record between Liga MX and MLS teams in the cup, with Messi reaching 100 goals for Inter Miami.

The Herons confirmed that Kily Gonzalez will take the helm for today’s fixture, crucial for Inter Miami even if the 2026 Campeones Cup isn’t considered an official title by FIFA. Having secured his official paperwork, the newly appointed manager is officially ready to direct the squad following Guillermo Hoyos’ tenure as interim coach.

La Maquina, meanwhile, are out to prove their championship credentials. Fresh off snapping Toluca’s winning streak, Cruz Azul aim to keep their momentum rolling and lift their second piece of silverware in 2026, following their Liga MX Clausura title back in May.

With Messi aiming to maintain his dominant track record against Liga MX opposition, anticipation is high for what promises to be a hard-fought battle for regional bragging rights.

What happens if Inter Miami beat Cruz Azul today?

If Inter Miami defeat Cruz Azul today, they will automatically claim the 2026 Campeones Cup. Margin of victory does not matter, a win in regulation secures the trophy outright.

A victory would mark their first unofficial title in Inter Miami’s franchise history since launching professional operations in 2018, as FIFA and Concacaf don’t recognize the Campeones Cup as an official trophy. It would also extend Messi’s legendary run in South Florida, securing his fifth trophy since joining MLS.

What happens if Inter Miami and Cruz Azul tie today?

If the match ends in a draw after 90 minutes, the 2026 Campeones Cup champion will be decided directly by a penalty shootout. There is no extra time played in this competition.

What happens if Inter Miami lose to Cruz Azul today?

If Inter Miami fall to Cruz Azul today, the Mexican side will hoist the 2026 Campeones Cup trophy. That result would mark Cruz Azul’s first-ever Campeones Cup title, avenging their 2-0 defeat to the Columbus Crew in 2021.

Messi’s record against Mexican teams stands at four wins, one draw, and one loss, with four goals scored. In friendly matches, he remains unbeaten, with one win, three draws, and two goals.

Inter Miami will look to become the fourth U.S. team to win the Campeones Cup, joining Atlanta United, Columbus Crew, and New York City FC. Can Lionel Messi once again tip the scales in his favor and add another title to his already extensive trophy cabinet?

Messi has the edge against Mexican teams

Since joining MLS, Messi has enjoyed facing Liga MX teams, having lost just once. Here is his record in official competitions, including one match he played for Barcelona:

Friendlies

• Barcelona vs America, 4-4
• Chivas vs Barcelona, 1-1
• Barcelona vs Leon, 6-0 (1 goal)
• Inter Miami vs America, 2-2 (1 goal)

Campeones Cup winners

This will be the ninth edition of the Campeones Cup, with Liga MX representatives holding a slight edge over their MLS counterparts. Mexican clubs have won the title four times, while U.S. teams have claimed it three times, with one edition canceled due to the 2020 pandemic. A win, tie or loss for Inter Miami against Cruz Azul today will have different implications.

• Tigres UANL – 2018
• Atlanta United FC – 2019
• Canceled due to COVID-19 – 2020
• Columbus Crew – 2021
• New York Football Club – 2022
• Tigres UANL – 2023
• America – 2024
• Toluca – 2025

[Watch Columbus Crew vs Club America live for FREE in the USA on Fubo]

After a shaky start to the Apertura 2024 tournament in Liga MX, Club America have regained their form in recent weeks, showing why they are always a force to be reckoned with in Mexican soccer. They’ll be eager to continue their resurgence in this crucial clash with an international title at stake.

On the other side, Columbus Crew comes into the contest as one of MLS’s top teams, riding a wave of strong performances. With both teams evenly matched and determined to secure an international title, it’s tough to predict a clear favorite. Fans can expect a thrilling contest as these two powerhouses go head-to-head, each vying for a major statement win.

When will the Columbus Crew vs Club America match be played?

Columbus Crew face Club America in the 2024 Campeones Cup this Wednesday, September 25. The match is slated to kick off at 7:30 PM (ET).

Columbus Crew vs Club America: Time by State in the USA

ET: 7:30 PM
CT: 6:30 PM
MT: 5:30 PM
PT: 4:30 PM

How to watch Columbus Crew vs Club America in the USA

The 2024 Campeones Cup clash between Columbus Crew and Club America will be broadcast on Apple TV. Additionally, fans can tune in on Fubo or TUDN, giving multiple options to catch this match.

[Watch Los Angeles FC vs Tigres UANL online in the US on MLS Pass on Apple TV]

Los Angeles FC won the 2022 MLS and that gives them access to this tournament where they will play for the first time to try to maintain the streak of MLS teams winning this tournament since 2019.

Tigres UANL are one of the big favorites of the LIGA MX, they have one of the best rosters and the best thing is that they won the first edition of the Campeones Cup in 2018 against Toronto FC.

When will Los Angeles FC vs Tigres UANL be played?

Los Angeles FC and Tigres UANL play for the 2023 Campeones Cup on Wednesday, September 27 at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. It is highly likely that this game will end in a tie and everything will be decided by penalty kicks.

Los Angeles FC vs Tigres UANL: Time by state in the US

ET: 11:00 PM
CT: 10:00 PM
MT: 9:00 PM
PT: 8:00 PM

How to watch Los Angeles FC vs Tigres UANL in the US

This game for the 2023 Campeones Cup, Los Angeles FC and Tigres UANL at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, September 27, will be broadcast in the US by MLS Pass on Apple TV.