Lionel Messi scored his 100th goal for Inter Miami in a 2-0 Campeones Cup victory over Cruz Azul on September 16, 2026, cementing his legacy at Nu Stadium and securing the club’s fourth trophy since his 2023 arrival.
Messi’s milestone goal came in the 24th minute, a towering header from Luis Suárez’s cross, as Inter Miami claimed the 2026 Michelob ULTRA Campeones Cup at their new 26,700-seat stadium in downtown Miami. The win marked the club’s fourth title since Messi joined in 2023, including the 2023 Leagues Cup, 2024 Supporters’ Shield, and 2025 MLS Cup.
A Historic Night at Nu Stadium
The victory fulfilled a promise made by Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas when the stadium opened in April. This is a new chapter of lifting additional trophies, Mas said. The club’s new home became the stage for Messi’s 100th goal across all competitions for the Herons.
Messi’s 100th goal arrived faster than his previous milestones: 114 appearances for Miami, compared to 174 for Argentina and 188 for Barcelona. His tally includes 76 MLS goals (regular season and playoff competition), 14 in the Leagues Cup, eight in the Concacaf Champions Cup, and one during the FIFA Club World Cup. The Argentine forward also assisted Casemiro’s 81st-minute header, sealing the win against LIGA MX champions Cruz Azul.
Lionel Messi's 100th Inter Miami goal delivers Campeones Cup
Quotes from the Pitch and Beyond
New Inter Miami coach Cristian “Kily” González, who took charge, called the victory joy, happiness, so many emotions.
Leo told me he’d make me a champion, so he kept his word,
González said. Midfielder Yannick Bright echoed the sentiment, calling Messi “an inspiration” and stating, Honestly, it’s the highlight of my life having him as a teammate.
This guy always wants to win, and it’s an inspiration. Because when you see him doing it, it’s contagious,
Bright said. I’m happy. I’m honored. Honestly, it’s the highlight of my life having him as a teammate. And I mean, thank him for everything.
Goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair emphasized the shift in culture at the club. The standard, the expectation is to be able to lift trophies every season,
he said. Mas, meanwhile, reiterated his vision: We’ve still got a lot to play for. I want to lift another. It’s the first trophy we lift in our new stadium, so it’s an amazing night. And we’re going to continue pushing, pushing the envelope, aspiring to be the best team in the Americas.
Listen to the fans right now, this is what it is to play here,
St. Clair added.
Lionel Messi scores his 100th Inter Miami goal in
The Road to 100 Goals
Messi’s journey to 100 goals for Miami began with a stoppage-time free kick against Cruz Azul in his debut in July 2023. Since then, he has been instrumental in the club’s success. His 19 goals in 22 MLS appearances this season underscore his continued dominance.
Casemiro, who joined as a marquee summer signing, has also made an impact, scoring four headers in his last five matches. His 81st-minute goal against Cruz Azul marked his goal off Messi’s corner kick, highlighting the synergy between the Brazilian midfielder and Messi.
What’s Next for Inter Miami?
Inter Miami returns to MLS play Sunday when it hosts San Diego FC at Nu Stadium, currently sitting second in the Eastern Conference standings. The club’s focus now shifts to maintaining its trophy-winning momentum, with Mas vowing to push the envelope and aspire to be the best team in the Americas.
Lionel Messi Scores 100th Inter Miami Goal in Campeones
Messi’s scoring breakdown for Miami includes 76 goals in MLS regular season and playoff competition, 14 in the Leagues Cup, eight in the Concacaf Champions Cup, and one during the FIFA Club World Cup. His 100th goal came against the same club he scored his first for Miami, which was Cruz Azul in July 2023.
Since arriving in 2023, Messi guided Inter Miami to the 2023 Leagues Cup title, the 2024 Supporters’ Shield with an MLS record 74 points, and the 2025 MLS Cup championship. The captain currently leads MLS with 19 goals in 22 appearances this season and has accumulated 929 career goals for club and country.
Messi’s 100th goal arrived faster than his previous milestones: 114 appearances for Miami, compared to 174 for Argentina and 188 for Barcelona. The milestone represents the fastest pace at which Messi has accumulated 100 goals for any team in his career.
I don’t have words to describe what I’m feeling,
González said after beginning his tenure with a trophy. It’s joy, happiness, so many emotions.
I’ve always said Inter Miami is being built to lift trophies,
Mas told Apple TV amid the post-game festivities. Obviously, it helps to have the best player in the world of all time, Lionel Messi… I think we saw vintage Messi tonight.