Published: 09:11, September 18, 2026
Lionel Messi scores 100th goal as Inter Miami win Campeones Cup
By Reuters
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (center) celebrates with his teammates after winning the Campeones Cup soccer match against Cruz Azul, in Miami on Sept 16, 2026. (PHOTO/AP)

Lionel Messi scored his ​100th goal for Inter Miami ‌as the Major League Soccer side beat Mexican club Cruz Azul 2-0 to win ​the Campeones Cup at Nu Stadium ​in Florida on Wednesday.

Messi, making ⁠his 115th appearance for Miami, ​struck 24 minutes into the annual ​match between the MLS Cup holders and Mexico's Campeon de Campeones winners.

Casemiro scored Miami's ​second goal late on.

Cruz Azul midfielder Amaury García (left) defends as Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi shoots during the second half of the Campeones Cup soccer match, in Miami on Sept 16, 2026. (PHOTO/AP)

“Leo told ​me he’d make me a champion, so he ‌kept ⁠his word,” Miami coach Cristian Gonzalez said.

Former Barcelona and Paris St Germain forward Messi, 39, joined Miami ​in 2023 ​and ⁠has helped them win four trophies.

Argentina's all-time top scorer with ​125 goals, Messi announced his international retirement last ​month ⁠and will take his final bow for the national team in a ⁠friendly ​against Benin on ​Oct 6.