Inter Miami host Cruz Azul tonight in the Campeones Cup as the MLS side enters a new era with the managerial debut of head coach Cristian “Kily” González.
The Herons face a Mexican powerhouse that enters the match in excellent form after winning three straight domestic games.
Managed by Joel Huiqui, Cruz Azul will look to repeat its success against Inter Miami in what marks a rematch of their famous 2023 Leagues Cup thriller, when Lionel Messi scored a 94th-minute free kick on his club debut.
Campeones Cup History
In the seven Campeones Cup matches played before tonight’s game, Liga MX clubs have recorded four wins, while MLS teams have claimed three victories.
Photo by Michael Pimentel/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images
Toluca most recently put Liga MX ahead in the series after defeating the LA Galaxy 3-2 in the 2025 edition.
How Did Inter Miami Qualify for the Campeones Cup Final?
Inter Miami qualified for the Campeones Cup by winning the 2025 MLS Cup, earning the right to represent MLS in the competition.
Under the tournament’s format, the Campeones Cup is a single-match showdown between the reigning MLS Cup champion and the winner of Mexico’s Campeón de Campeones.
As the 2025 MLS Cup champion, Inter Miami automatically earned MLS’s spot in tonight’s matchup.
The tournament’s format also gives the MLS representative hosting rights, meaning Inter Miami will welcome Cruz Azul at home for the title clash.
Tonight’s match gives Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates an opportunity to add another trophy to their collection. Meanwhile, it gives Kily González a chance to begin his tenure as head coach with silverware.
Gonzalez has played earlier with Messi, and the 52-year-old reiterated the importance of the Argentinian in the squad.
“I have a very special relationship with him, so it feels more natural to me. But imagine my coaching staff; they were absolutely buzzing. Because of how he is, and when you see him, I think this is what Leo represents to everyone, not just in football, but in the world.”
