Inter Miami Vs Cruz Azul: Lionel Messi puts Inter Miami 1–0 ahead against Cruz Azul
Inter Miami vs Cruz Azul is being played in the 2026 Campeones Cup, with Inter Miami leading 1–0 at half-time in the latest available report. Lionel Messi scored the opener with a header, which the live report described as his 100th goal for Inter Miami. AS USA’s live match report
Lionel Messi puts Inter Miami 1–0 ahead against Cruz Azul
Messi’s goal came after Luis Suárez reached a pass near the right byline and delivered the ball into the area. Messi rose above the defence and directed a header towards the net. AS USA
The goal was significant for Inter Miami because it took Messi to 100 goals for the club, according to the live coverage. The report said Inter Miami held a 1–0 lead at half-time, with one minute of stoppage time added before the interval. AS USA
The available reporting does not establish the final score or confirm which team won the trophy.
Match details and competition
The match is the 2026 Michelob ULTRA Campeones Cup, a single-match contest between the reigning MLS and Liga MX champions. Inter Miami’s own preview said the game was scheduled for Wednesday, 16 September, at Nu Stadium, with an 8 p.m. ET kick-off. Inter Miami match preview
Cruz Azul entered the match as Mexico’s champions, while Inter Miami represented Major League Soccer. The fixture was described as Inter Miami’s first opportunity to play for a trophy at Nu Stadium. Inter Miami
Before kick-off, reporting highlighted contrasting recent form. Cruz Azul had won 4–3 against Club América and had recorded three consecutive victories in the Mexican championship, according to UA.News. Inter Miami had drawn its previous three matches, including a 2–2 draw with Nashville. UA.News
Key moments from the first half
Cruz Azul threatened from distance through Palavecino, whose effort required goalkeeper St. Clair to push the ball over the bar. Inter Miami also came close when Suárez attempted to lift the ball over goalkeeper Mier, but defenders cleared the effort off the line. AS USA
Suárez also tried to find Messi after Inter Miami capitalised on loose defensive play, although the pass was cut out before Messi could finish. Cruz Azul had an attacking corner cleared by the Inter Miami defence. AS USA
At the latest verified point, Messi’s header remained the difference between the teams, with Inter Miami ahead 1–0 at half-time.