Messi heads Inter Miami to Campeones Cup triumph

MIAMI, SEPT 17: Lionel Messi headed a goal and provided an assist as Inter Miami won the Campeones Cup on Wednesday, beating Cruz Azul 2-0 in the annual clash between Major League Soccer and Mexican Liga MX champions.

It was Inter Miami's first Campeones Cup triumph and came thanks to the Argentine superstar's 100th goal for the reigning MLS Cup winners. A late Messi corner was headed home by Casemiro to seal the win.

Victory gave 39-year-old Messi his first trophy of the year, two months after the heartbreak of losing the 2026 World Cup final to Spain with Argentina.

After the game, Casemiro paid tribute to his illustrious teammate Messi.

"We have to enjoy this because we don't know how long we'll have it," the former Real Madrid midfielder said.

"What he has done and continues to do for football is incredible... he remains the best. He proved it at the World Cup and continues to prove it in MLS."    �"AFP