- On Wednesday, Lionel Messi scored his 100th goal for Inter Miami in a 2-0 Campeones Cup victory over Cruz Azul at Miami Freedom Park
- Messi lifted the 49th official club and national-team trophy of his career, extending his lead over retired Brazilian Dani Alves, who has 45
- Casemiro sealed the win in the 81st minute after Messi had opened the scoring in the 24th minute and later provided the corner for the second goal
Messi Adds Another Historic Marker in Miami
Lionel Messi delivered another landmark night in an already record-breaking career as Inter Miami defeated Mexican side Cruz Azul 2-0 to win the Campeones Cup at Miami Freedom Park on Wednesday.
The annual meeting between the MLS Cup holders and the Mexican Campeon de Campeones winners was decided by two headers, with Messi striking first after 24 minutes before Casemiro added the clinching goal late on.
Messi was making his 115th appearance for the Florida club and reached 100 goals for the team. His assist total for Inter Miami also stands at 58.
🚨✨ OFFICIAL: Lionel Messi adds Campeones Cup to his trophy cabinet, 49th trophy of his career.
10× La Liga 🏆
8× Spanish Super Cup 🏆
7× Copa del Rey 🏆
4× Champions League 🏆
3× UEFA Super Cup 🏆
3× Club World Cup 🏆
2× Ligue 1 🏆
2× Copa América 🏆
1× World Cup 🏆
1×… pic.twitter.com/gaIYkf4b94— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 17, 2026
A 49th Career Trophy and a Wider Gap at the Top
The triumph took Messi to 49 official trophies across club and national-team football, strengthening his position as the most decorated player in the history of the sport. His nearest challenger remains his former Barcelona team-mate, retired Brazilian Dani Alves, who has 45 trophies, leaving Messi 4 cups clear.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has represented Inter Miami since 2023, after spells with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. Since joining Miami, he has helped the club win four trophies so far.
Messi’s current contract runs until 2028, and the next stated milestone in his trophy collection is a 50th career title.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Match | Inter Miami 2-0 Cruz Azul |
| Competition | Campeones Cup |
| Venue | Miami Freedom Park |
| Messi goal | 24th minute |
| Casemiro goal | 81st minute |
| Messi Inter Miami appearances | 115 |
| Messi Inter Miami goals | 100 |
| Messi Inter Miami assists | 58 |
| Messi career trophies | 49 |
| Dani Alves trophies | 45 |
| Gap to Dani Alves | 4 cups |
How Inter Miami Took Control
The match developed into a tense tactical contest before Inter Miami found the breakthrough midway through the first half. Luis Suarez delivered a fine cross into the area, where Messi escaped the attention of Willer Ditta and, despite his shorter stature, rose above his marker to score with a header – a finish not usually associated with his style – for 1-0.
Suarez later came close to benefiting from Messi’s involvement at the other end, but his clever lob was cleared off the goal line.
Second-Half Drama Before Casemiro Secures the Cup
Messi appeared to have scored again after a rapid counterattack in the second half, but the effort was disallowed for a narrow offside.
Cruz Azul then had their major opportunity to level when Gabriel Fernandez struck the post. From the rebound, Jose Paradela was denied by a committed block.
Inter Miami ended the suspense in the 81st minute. Messi sent in an accurate cross from a corner kick, and Brazilian midfielder Casemiro headed powerfully to make the final score 2-0 and seal the trophy.
Argentina Legacy and Final International Appearance
Messi is Argentina’s all-time leading scorer with 125 goals and guided the national team to World Cup success in 2022. The 39-year-old announced his retirement from international football last month and will make his final appearance for Argentina in a friendly against Benin on October 6.
