What is Campeones Cup that offers Messi another shot at silverware?

Lionel Messi has another chance to add silverware to his already remarkable collection when Inter Miami host Cruz Azul in the Campeones Cup on Thursday in Florida, United States.

The match will kick off at 6am on Thursday, Bangladesh time, with the reigning MLS champions facing the winners of Mexico’s Liga MX in a one-off final.

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For Messi, the game carries another personal milestone. The Argentine superstar scored his 99th goal for Inter Miami in Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Nashville SC. He will now look to reach 100 goals for the club while helping Miami secure their first trophy of the season.

But what exactly is the Campeones Cup?

The competition was created in 2018 through a partnership between Major League Soccer and Liga MX. It brings together the champions of the two leagues in a single-match showdown.

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Unlike the Concacaf Champions Cup, the Campeones Cup is not organised or sanctioned by Concacaf and is therefore not recognised by FIFA as a major official international trophy. It is instead the result of a commercial agreement between MLS and Liga MX.

Still, the match carries significance for the clubs involved.

Inter Miami qualified after winning the MLS Cup, while Cruz Azul earned their place by winning Mexico’s Campeon de Campeones. Both sides therefore enter the contest as domestic champions.

Miami, however, arrive at the final under pressure. They have won only once in their last nine matches, a 7-1 demolition of Montreal in which Messi scored four times. They have also drawn their last three games.

Despite the team's struggles, Messi's individual numbers remain impressive. He leads the MLS scoring charts with 19 goals in 22 matches.

Luis Suarez has defended the team's biggest stars from the criticism that has followed their recent results.

“Social media causes a lot of damage,” Suarez said. “If we lose the title tomorrow, they'll say ‘another final lost by Messi, Suarez, De Paul. Inter Miami loses again with great players.’ If we win, they'll say it means nothing.”

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The Uruguayan insists Miami are taking the final seriously.

“We are professionals, and we are approaching tomorrow's match like a final,” Suarez said. “It's a very important trophy.”

Cruz Azul will provide a stern test. The Mexican side arrive in Florida after winning three consecutive Liga MX matches, including a thrilling 4-3 victory over Club America.

For Messi, there is also some history with Cruz Azul. They were his first opponent after joining Inter Miami in 2023, when he scored a stunning free-kick winner against them in the Leagues Cup.

Since then, Messi has continued to rewrite Miami's record books. Now, with his 100th club goal within touching distance, another piece of silverware is also up for grabs.

Campeones Cup winners

2018: Tigres UANL
2019: Atlanta United
2021: Columbus Crew
2022: New York City FC
2023: Tigres UANL
2024: Club América
2025: Toluca FC

***The 2020 edition was cancelled because of the Covid-19 pandemic.