Lionel Messi leaves Cristiano Ronaldo in the dust in the ultimate title battle
Messi lifts another trophy as Inter Miami defeats Cruz Azul in Campeones Cup final.
L ionel Messi continues to expand his legendary career. The Argentine superstar reached 48 collective titles in his career after Inter Miami defeated Cruz Azul 2-0 to win the 2026 Campeones Cup .
The Herons captain lifted another trophy and added another chapter to his extraordinary résumé, in a night where he was also a key figure on the field by scoring the opening goal of the match and reaching 100 goals with the Florida club .
Messi opened the scoring in the 24th minute with a spectacular header after a precise cross from Luis Suárez. The Argentine beat Cruz Azul’s defense to the ball and won his duel against Willer Ditta to connect and beat the Mexican goalkeeper.
Despite the height difference, Messi once again showed his ability to deliver in the biggest moments. The forward, who stands around 1.70 meters tall, outjumped the Colombian defender, who is close to 1.80 meters, to score one of the most important goals of the final.
The goal also carried special significance in Messi’s history against Cruz Azul. The Argentine had already scored against La Máquina in 2023 during his Inter Miami debut in the Leagues Cup , when a stoppage-time free kick gave the Florida club the victory.
Inter Miami holds on and seals the final
After the goal, Cruz Azul tried to respond and search for an equalizer, but Inter Miami managed to control the key moments of the match. La Máquina created chances but lacked the finishing needed to change the course of the game.
The team led by Cristian 'Kily' González sealed the final with a second headed goal from Casemiro, securing the victory and giving Inter Miami another trophy during the Messi era.
With the Campeones Cup triumph, Messi reached 48 titles in his career , a collection that includes championships with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Miami and the Argentina national team.
The figure also allows him to extend his advantage in the historic comparison with Cristiano Ronaldo . The Portuguese star has 38 collective titles, meaning Messi has 10 more trophies than his longtime generational rival.
At 39 years old, the Argentine continues to expand his legacy with new records, more trophies and decisive performances in important matches. While Cristiano Ronaldo continues his career in search of more championships, Messi keeps adding to a collection that places him among the most decorated footballers of all time.
Lionel Messi and his 48 titles
FIFA U-20 World Cup (1): 2005
Olympic Gold Medal (1): Beijing 2008
Copa América (2): 2021 and 2024
FIFA World Cup (1): Qatar 2022
Champions League (4): 2005/06, 2008/09, 2010/11, 2014/15
LaLiga (10): 2004/05, 2005/06, 2008/09, 2009/10, 2010/11, 2012/13, 2014/15, 2015/16, 2017/18, 2018/19
Copa del Rey (7): 2008/09, 2011/12, 2014/15, 2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18, 2020/21
FIFA Club World Cup (3): 2009, 2011, 2015
UEFA Super Cup (3): 2009/10, 2011/12, 2015/16
Spanish Super Cup (8): 2005/06, 2006/07, 2009/10, 2010/11, 2011/12, 2013/14, 2016/17, 2018/19
Ligue 1 (2): 2021/22, 2022/23
French Super Cup (1): 2022/23
Supporters' Shield (1): 2024
