Inter Miami beat Cruz Azul 2:0 to win the Champions Cup final on September 17th, 2026. Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the 24th minute before Casemiro sealed the victory with a second goal in the 81st. The hosts kept a clean sheet despite Cruz Azul having more possession and more attacks overall.
Messi found the net early, giving Miami a lead they wouldn't relinquish. The goal came before Cruz Azul could settle into their rhythm, and by then the visitors knew they had to chase the game. Messi's finish was clinical, and it shifted the momentum before Cruz Azul could respond.
Cruz Azul kept knocking on the door with 90 attacks compared to Miami's 85, but their shots lacked precision. They registered four shots on target but only one save was needed from the Miami keeper. The visitors needed to be sharper, and here's the thing — they weren't.
The match saw several substitutions as both sides tried to change the tempo. Cruz Azul brought on three players in quick succession around the 63rd minute, while Miami made changes at different intervals. Cautious play from both sides led to four yellow cards, with Shaw receiving the last booking in stoppage time.
Miami's defensive resilience meant Cruz Azul's statistical advantages counted for little. The visitors had 52 per cent possession and more corners, but couldn't convert their opportunities. The clean-sheet run came to an end for Miami after three consecutive games without conceding.
The result puts Inter Miami at the top of the standings with a comfortable margin. Cruz Azul finish in second place, their recent form of four wins in five games ending in disappointment. The final scoreline tells you everything about a match decided by two moments rather than sustained pressure.
