Lionel Messi ‘must win Ballon d’Or’ after leading Inter Miami to Champions Cup glory

Lionel Messi scored one goal and created another as Inter Miami beat Mexican side Cruz Azul 2-0 to win the Champions Cup, fulfilling a promise made to the club’s new manager Christian “Kely” Gonzalez on his first match in charge.

Messi opened the scoring in the 24th minute before setting up Brazilian team-mate Casemiro for Inter Miami’s second from a corner in the 81st minute. The victory continued the Argentina forward’s history-making impact in the United States and delivered another trophy for the club.

“Lionel told me he would make me a champion, and he did,” Gonzalez said at the post-match news conference. “I cannot find the words to describe how I feel. It is a mixture of joy and happiness, so many conflicting emotions.”

The win ended a run of three matches without victory and brought relief to an Inter Miami side that had been expected to challenge for honours across the continent.

The club had come close to ending the campaign without another trophy after being eliminated from the Concacaf Champions Cup and the Leagues Cup. Inter Miami are currently second in the Eastern Conference of Major League Soccer, nine points behind the leaders.

Gonzalez said the result would provide a psychological boost to a squad containing several players “who have achieved a lot” but remain determined to add another title to Inter Miami’s collection.

He reserved particular praise for Messi, calling him “number one” and insisting the 2025 Ballon d’Or should be awarded to him.

“There is no one like him; I have no doubt the Ballon d’Or should go to him,” Gonzalez added. “Considering his age, the World Cup he has taken part in, and what he represents to everyone, not only in football but also in terms of life values, it would be fair for him to win it.”

Gonzalez was announced as Inter Miami’s new manager in late August, replacing Guillermo Hoyos. However, problems related to his work permit meant he was unable to take charge of a match until Wednesday’s game against Cruz Azul.

His previous coaching position ended in October, when his contract with Argentine club Platense expired.

Inter Miami had never previously won the Champions Cup. They entered the competition as holders of the Major League Soccer title, which they lifted for the first time in the club’s short history last December.