Messi scores 100th goal as Herons defeat Cruz Azul 2-0 under new manager Kily Gonzalez
Category: Sports
In a triumphant display of skill and leadership, Lionel Messi scored his 100th goal for Inter Miami, guiding the team to a 2-0 victory over Cruz Azul in the 2026 Campeones Cup on September 16, 2026, at Nu Stadium in Miami. This win marked the first trophy of the season for Inter Miami and the 48th of Messi's illustrious career.
The match saw Messi open the scoring in the 24th minute with a spectacular header, assisted by fellow striker Luis Suárez. This milestone goal came in just his 115th appearance for the club, a faster rate than he achieved with any previous team. Messi’s achievement adds to an already impressive tally of 929 career goals across all competitions.
“Leo told me before the game we were going to be champions, and he lived up to that statement,” said Cristian “Kily” Gonzalez, who managed his first game with Inter Miami and secured victory in the prestigious one-match cup that pits the reigning champions of Major League Soccer (MLS) against Liga MX’s top team.
Following the first goal, Inter Miami maintained control of the match, with Messi also providing an assist for the second goal, scored by Casemiro in the 81st minute. This victory was particularly sweet for the Herons, as it ended a disappointing run of form, having won only once in their previous nine matches.
Goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair played a key role in the win, making several important saves to secure the clean sheet. “We have a lot of pride and happiness to be able to sacrifice a lot to come here and make things happen for moments like this and win trophies,” St. Clair said after the match.
Inter Miami’s success in the Campeones Cup adds to their trophy cabinet and continues a remarkable trend since Messi joined the club in July 2023. The team has now won at least one trophy each year, including the Leagues Cup in 2023, the Supporters' Shield in 2024, and the MLS Cup in 2025. This victory keeps the streak alive as they aim for more silverware in 2026.
Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami has transformed the club, which was previously struggling to find its footing in Major League Soccer. Since joining, Messi has brought his unparalleled skill on the field and a winning mentality that has permeated the team. Under his influence, Inter Miami has become a competitive force in both domestic and international competitions.
Historically, the Campeones Cup serves as a showcase for the best teams from MLS and Liga MX, enhancing its significance. Inter Miami's victory in this tournament highlights their growth and ambition, especially as they look to build on their recent successes. The club's management is focused on capitalizing on this momentum to secure more titles in the upcoming seasons.
Gonzalez, who was appointed as head coach just weeks before the match, has deep ties to Messi, hailing from the same hometown in Argentina. His familiarity with Messi’s playing style and the team's dynamics was evident in their coordinated efforts during the match. As he embarks on his tenure, Gonzalez aims to instill a consistent winning culture within the squad.
Looking ahead, Inter Miami is not resting on their laurels. The team is currently third in the Supporters’ Shield standings, nine points behind leaders Nashville SC. They are set to compete for both the Supporters’ Shield and the MLS Cup as the season progresses. The club’s objective is clear: to continue winning and to solidify their position as one of the top teams in MLS.
Inter Miami’s next challenge comes against San Diego in their following league match, where they will look to build on their Campeones Cup success. Gonzalez emphasized the need for continued improvement, stating, “It’s an important win for us, but we have to keep going. We have to keep improving a lot of things and we have another match to play.”
With Messi leading the charge and a renewed sense of purpose under Gonzalez, Inter Miami is determined to add more trophies to their collection before the year ends. As they pursue the Supporters' Shield and aim to defend their MLS Cup title, the excitement around the team continues to grow.
Messi’s remarkable career, now boasting 48 trophies, is a source of inspiration for his teammates and fans alike. As the season progresses, attention will turn to Inter Miami to see if they can maintain their momentum and achieve even greater heights.