Messi chasing another trophy. Inter Miami vs Cruz Azul prediction
Inter Miami and Cruz Azul will meet in the early hours of Thursday, September 17, in the CONCACAF Champions Super Cup — the Campeones Cup. The game will be played at the new Nu Stadium in Miami and will kick off at 02:00 Central European Time. The tournament pits the reigning MLS and Liga MX champions against each other, giving both teams a chance to add another trophy to their collections. I am backing goals in this contest.
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H2H and statistical facts
- Inter Miami have drawn their last three matches.
- Messi has recorded a goal contribution in seven consecutive games: 7 goals and 4 assists.
- Cruz Azul are on a three-match winning streak.
- The only head-to-head meeting, in the summer of 2023, ended in a 2-1 victory for the American side.
Messi chasing another trophy
Inter Miami head into this match after a difficult stretch in MLS. The team have drawn their last three league games: first, they drew 2-2 at home against Atlanta, then played out a 1-1 draw away to Chicago Fire before sharing the points with Nashville at home in a 2-2 draw. After 25 regular-season matches, the team have 45 points and sit second in the conference standings.
The meeting with Nashville was particularly important for Lionel Messi. The Argentine scored his team’s second goal to take his tally to 19 in the current MLS season, strengthening his position at the top of the scoring charts. It was also Messi’s 99th goal in all competitions for Inter Miami. The captain is therefore just one goal away from another club milestone.
However, Inter Miami have struggled for defensive reliability in their recent matches. Against Chicago, the team allowed their opponents to level the score, while Nashville found a way through twice. Their attacking potential remains immense, though: Messi continues to create chances on a regular basis, while Luis Suárez remains a key figure in the front line.
The team have also endured a painful experience on the international stage this season. In August, Inter Miami crashed out of the Leagues Cup, and they now have an opportunity to bounce back in another high-profile clash with a Liga MX representative — this time at their new home.
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The Mexicans are in fine form
Cruz Azul head into the match in excellent spirits. In their latest Mexican league outing, the team produced a genuine spectacle against América and won 4-3. Cruz Azul led 3-0 at halftime, but their opponents cut the deficit to one after the break, making for an extremely tense finish.
Before the derby, the team had also defeated Santos Laguna 1-0 on September 6. That victory was important from a defensive standpoint after a high-scoring spell. In the current Liga MX season, Cruz Azul have already collected five wins from eight matches and sit third in the table.
Cruz Azul have considerable international experience. They are one of the most decorated clubs in CONCACAF, with seven victories in the region’s premier club competition. In 2026, the Mexicans also competed in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, where their run ended after a clash with Los Angeles.
Cruz Azul’s mental readiness for matches of this magnitude also deserves attention. The 4-3 win over América showed that the team can withstand serious pressure and play at a high tempo. At the same time, their defense occasionally gives opponents too much freedom — something Inter Miami, led by Messi, will surely look to exploit.
Probable lineups
- Inter Miami: St. Clair, Frey, Falcon, Mura, Caicedo, De Paul, Segovia, Carlos Enrique Casimiro, Messi, Luis Suárez, Berterame.
- Cruz Azul: Mier, Campos, Orozco, Alan Montes, Ditta, Carlos Rodríguez, García, Paradela, Márquez, Palavecino, Ibáñez.
What to bet on?
Inter Miami will have home advantage and possess their biggest trump card in Messi, who is just one goal away from reaching 100 for the club. Cruz Azul, however, look every bit as dangerous right now and come into the final after an impressive victory over América. The Mexican champions are capable of forcing the hosts into an open game. Both teams boast tremendous attacking potential, while their recent results show that neither Inter Miami nor Cruz Azul are flawless defensively. This trophy clash could easily turn into a high-scoring encounter, and my pick is for both teams to score.
