Miami, September 17, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Lionel Messi marked another milestone in his Inter Miami career by scoring his 100th goal for the club as they defeated LIGA MX side Cruz Azul 2-0 to lift the Campeones Cup at Nu Stadium on Thursday.
Messi opened the scoring in the 24th minute before Casemiro headed home in the second half to seal the victory and hand Inter Miami the trophy.
The goal made Messi the first player in Inter Miami history to reach 100 goals. He achieved the landmark in 115 appearances across all competitions, having scored over four seasons since joining the club in 2023.
Messi scored 11 goals in his first season with Inter Miami, followed by 23 in 2024 and 43 in 2025. He has added 23 goals so far in 2026.
The Argentine arrived in South Florida in the summer of 2023 and has since played a central role in the club’s rise, captaining Inter Miami to four major trophies — the 2023 League Cup, 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield, 2025 Eastern Conference title and 2025 MLS Cup.
Inter Miami took the lead after Luis Suarez delivered a precise cross from the right, with Messi heading the ball into the net from inside the box.
Cruz Azul had an early chance in the sixth minute, but Inter Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair denied Jose Paradela with a fine save.
The Mexican side continued to threaten periodically, but Inter Miami maintained their advantage through the remainder of the first half and much of the second.
Messi then contributed to the second goal in the 81st minute when he delivered a corner from the left. Casemiro rose above the defenders to head the ball into the net.
The goal was Casemiro’s fourth since joining Inter Miami during the summer, while Messi recorded his 15th assist across all competitions in 2026.
St. Clair finished with six saves and produced another crucial stop in stoppage time to preserve Inter Miami’s clean sheet.
The victory also gave new head coach Cristian Gonzalez a winning start in his first match in charge of Inter Miami.
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