Inter Miami and Cruz Azul face off in the single-match final of the Campeones Cup, with Lionel Messi in the lineup. The match is taking place at NU Stadium in Miami, with Kily González debuting as the head coach of the home team.
At 39 years old, Messi is looking to add his 48th title to his professional career. This season, he has played 38 matches, scoring 32 goals and providing 17 assists, and recently participated in his sixth World Cup with the Argentine national team. Considered the most successful footballer in history, Messi holds a significant advantage over his main rivals, Dani Alves (43), Marquinhos (43), and Andrés Iniesta (40) in trophies.
This match comes following Messi’s announcement of his retirement from the Argentine national team, although he is called up for a friendly against Benin on October 6, where it is expected he will make a final appearance with the light blue and white.
Inter Miami reached this final after winning their first MLS title, defeating Vancouver Whitecaps. Cruz Azul, on the other hand, qualified after beating Toluca in the Campeón de Campeones of Liga MX, which pits the winners of the Apertura 2025 and Clausura 2026 against each other.
Historically, Mexican clubs have had an advantage over MLS teams in the Campeones Cup, with four victories to three. Toluca was the last champion, managing to defeat LA Galaxy in the 2025 edition. Cruz Azul features several Argentine players in its squad, adding an additional level of prestige to the match.
The match follows Inter Miami’s recent draw against Nashville SC, where Messi had a standout performance, scoring a difficult goal. Kily González, who took over following Guillermo Hoyos’ departure, becomes Messi’s fourth coach at the club, all of whom are compatriots.
Messi’s impressive record includes 35 club titles with Barcelona and PSG, along with multiple trophies with the Argentine national team, including the 2022 World Cup and two Copa America titles.
Lineups: Inter Miami: Dayne St. Clair; Facundo Mura, Casemiro, Maximiliano Falcón, Fricio Caicedo; Rodrigo De Paul, Yannick Bright, Matías Galarza Fonda; Lionel Messi, Germán Berterame, and Luis Suárez. Coach: Guillermo Hoyos. Cruz Azul: Kevin Mier; Jeremy Márquez, Willer Ditta, Gonzalo Piovi, Omar Campos; Agustín Palavecino, Erik Lira, José Paradela, Charly Rodríguez; Carlos Rotondi and Nicolás Ibáñez. Coach: Joel Huiqui. Stadium: NU Stadium (Miami) TV: Apple TV.
Source: www.infobae.com
