Photo: Collected
Lionel Messi has enchanted the football world many times with the magic of his feet. But on the night of the final, a different Messi was seen at Inter Miami’s home ground – this time the goal came from his head, and with it his century of goals in the Miami jersey was completed. Later, Miami doubled the lead with Casemiro’s header. In the end, the team took home the Campeones Cup title by beating Mexico’s Cruz Azul 2-0.
Miami played attacking football from the start at their home ground. In the 24th minute, Messi scored with a header from Luis Suarez’s superb cross. This goal not only put the team ahead but also brought Messi a personal milestone – it is his 100th goal in the Miami jersey.
The 39-year-old star completed his century of goals for Miami in only 114 matches. This is his fastest 100 goals for any club in his career.
Messi had found the net once more in the final. In the 55th minute, in the second half, he sent the ball into the net over the goalkeeper’s head from Suarez’s pass, but the goal was disallowed for offside. That, however, did not stop Miami’s victory march. In the 81st minute, Casemiro scored with a header from Messi’s corner. The former Brazil captain’s perfect finishing made the margin 2-0, and the title was confirmed with this scoreline.
This understanding between Messi and Casemiro is now quite a familiar sight for Miami. Messi has assisted three of Casemiro’s four goals for Miami. In the final too, the important goal came from the chemistry of that pairing.
Miami goalkeeper Dayne St Clair also made a big contribution to the title win. He kept his net intact by stopping four certain goals from Cruz Azul. As a result, the night of Messi’s 100th goal ended with the celebration of another international title for Miami.
It may be noted that the Campeones Cup has been held since 2018. This competition takes place between the champions of Major League Soccer and the champions of Mexico’s Liga MX. This time Miami lifted that trophy at their own ground.
