Messi Eyes 48th Title! Inter Miami Hosts Cruz Azul in U.S.-Mexico Champions Cup Final

The 2026 U.S.-Mexico Champions Cup final will kick off at 08:00 Beijing time on September 17. Under the guidance of new head coach Kelly, Inter Miami will host Cruz Azul at Nu Stadium in the battle for the championship. At the age of 39, Argentine star Lionel Messi will be chasing his 48th career trophy in this match.

Established in 2018 as a cross-league tournament, the U.S.-Mexico Champions Cup features a matchup between the previous season's MLS champion and the reigning Mexican Champions Cup winner. Reviewing the results of the past seven editions, Liga MX clubs have lifted the trophy four times, while MLS clubs have won three times, with the last three titles all going to Liga MX sides.

Inter Miami earned a spot as the 2025 MLS Cup champion, marking the club's first-ever appearance in the U.S.-Mexico Champions Cup. Meanwhile, Cruz Azul, as the 2026 Liga MX Apertura champion, eliminated 2025 Liga MX Clausura champion Toluca in the Mexican Champions Cup to represent Liga MX in this edition of the U.S.-Mexico Champions Cup.