Messi Watch: Inter Miami and Cruz Azul set for Sept. 16 trophy clash

Inter Miami will face Cruz Azul at Nu Stadium on Wednesday, Sept. 16 in the 2026 Michelob ULTRA Campeones Cup, the club announced. It is a one-match, winner-takes-all meeting between the reigning MLS Cup champion and the reigning Liga MX champion. Kickoff has not been set; the match will stream globally on Apple TV. 1

Cruz Azul secured its place by beating Toluca 3-1 in the Campeon de Campeones on July 25. The game will be Inter Miami's first final at its new home, according to the club. 1

This is the second meeting between the clubs. Their first came on July 21, 2023, when Messi and Sergio Busquets entered as second-half substitutes in the 54th minute for their Inter Miami debuts. Messi then won the match with a stoppage-time free kick. 1

Before that September final, Columbus Crew visit Inter Miami on Saturday, Aug. 1 at 7:30 p.m. ET. That is Sunday, Aug. 2 at 7:30 a.m. in Asia/Shanghai, at Nu Stadium. 2

MLS's latest formal update says Messi is excused from the July 29 All-Star Game under the league's post-World Cup rest and return-to-competition agreement. It does not set a club return date, so Columbus is the next practical availability check, not a confirmed comeback. 3