MIAMI: Lionel Messi had a tense postgame exchange with MLS Commissioner Don Garber after Inter Miami CF beat Cruz Azul 2-0 on Wednesday to win the 2026 Campeones Cup.
Video from the trophy celebrations showed Messi approaching Garber twice and speaking to him animatedly. ESPN analyst Herculez Gomez also highlighted the interaction, describing Messi as visibly upset. The reason for the exchange remains unconfirmed.
Messi had earlier opened the scoring in the 24th minute, heading in a Luis Suárez cross for his 100th Inter Miami goal in 115 appearances across all competitions.
Messi visibly upset with MLS Commissioner Don Garber. Confronts him not once but twice after the Campeones Cup trophy celebration.
🎥 @FrancoPanizo pic.twitter.com/v8dBBlmG5u
— herculez gomez (@herculezg) September 17, 2026The Argentine then delivered the corner that Casemiro headed home in the 81st minute at Nu Stadium. Messi was named Campeones Cup MVP after scoring and assisting.
The victory gave Messi his 48th senior trophy and extended Inter Miami’s run of winning silverware every season since his 2023 arrival: the 2023 Leagues Cup, 2024 Supporters’ Shield, 2025 MLS Cup and 2026 Campeones Cup.
Read: Lionel Messi Retires From International Football at 39
It also levelled the all-time Campeones Cup series between MLS and Liga MX clubs at four wins apiece.
Inter Miami return to MLS action against San Diego FC at Nu Stadium on September 20 at 7 p.m. ET on September 21.
