Inter Miami news: Lionel Messi heated at MLS commish after Campeones Cup win

September 17, 2026 · Yahoo Sports

Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

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Even after lifting another trophy, Lionel Messi had something heavy on his mind. Inter Miami CF captured the 2026 Campeones Cup on Wednesday night with a dominant 2-0 victory over Liga MX champion Cruz Azul at Nu Stadium in Miami, but the postgame celebrations took an intense turn when Messi confronted Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber right on the pitch.

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Fans in the stands caught the Argentine legend approaching Garber not once, but twice following the trophy presentation. Messi looked visibly animated as he gave the league boss a passionate earful, waving his hands to drive his point home before walking away. While neither party revealed the exact topic of discussion, Garber publicly acknowledged months ago that Messi has not been shy about voicing frustration regarding refereeing, fixture congestion, and league logistics since making his move to the United States.

👀 Lionel Messi has some words for MLS commissioner Don Garber.
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Messi went over to Garber twice after the Campeones Cup trophy celebration and looked pretty animated while giving Garber an earful.#InterMiamiCF #Messi pic.twitter.com/lpAsB6iTej
— Franco Panizo (@FrancoPanizo) September 17, 2026

Before the tense interaction took center stage, Messi provided the spark Inter Miami needed. The star captain broke a scoreless tie in the 24th minute, clinical in beating Cruz Azul goalkeeper Kevin Mier with a sharp finish. Inter Miami controlled the tempo from that moment forward, dictating the midfield battle and thwarting counterattacks.

Midfielder Casemiro put the match out of reach in the 81st minute, slotting home a late goal to double the lead and put the trophy on ice. Goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair delivered when called upon, anchoring the defense to earn the shutout. The victory marked the fifth official trophy in club history for Inter Miami CF, continuing an impressive run of silverware.

Still, the image of Messi exchanging animated words with Garber became the ultimate talking point of the night. Inter Miami keeps winning championships, but Messi remains relentless about holding MLS standards to the highest level possible.

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