What is the Campeones Cup? Why Lionel Messi's Inter Miami is facing Cruz Azul in 2026 MLS vs. Liga MX final

On Wednesday, Lionel Messi will fight to win Inter Miami yet another trophy the club has never before lifted as the legendary striker continues to help the MLS side break new ground and reach new heights.

The Herons will play in the Campeones Cup for the first time, taking on Cruz Azul having been nominated as this year's Major League Soccer representative in the annual showcase competition.

By winning the 2025 MLS Cup — the club's first ever league title — Inter Miami put themselves in position to take on this challenge. It will be a difficult task, as Inter Miami have already lost twice to Liga MX opponents, falling to Monterrey and Club Leon in the Leagues Cup league phase back in early August.

The Sporting News brings you an overview of what this competition is and why it matters to both Inter Miami and their opponents Cruz Azul.

MORE: Lionel Messi's portfolio of clubs after buying Spanish team

What is the Campeones Cup?

The Campeones Cup is a one-off match to determine the ultimate champions from the two biggest leagues in North America.

The match pits the previous year's winner of Major League Soccer against the previous winner from Mexico's top league Liga MX.

How does a team qualify for the Campeones Cup?

Teams qualify for the Campeones Cup by winning either the MLS title or the Liga MX title.

For Major League Soccer, that task is simple: win the MLS Cup.

In Liga MX, things are a little different. Because the season is split into two separate competitions — the Apertura and the Clausura — determining the overall champion takes slightly more legwork.

If the same club wins both the Apertura and the Clausura, then they are the overall Liga MX champion and will qualify for the Campeones Cup. However, if a different club wins each, then the winner of the Campeon de Campeones — the matchup between the Apertura and Clausura winners — qualifies for the Campeones Cup.

For the 2026 game, Inter Miami qualified by winning the 2025 MLS Cup. Cruz Azul qualified as the Liga MX participants by winning the 2025/26 Clausura and then defeating Apertura winners Toluca 3-1 in the Campeon de Campeones back in late July.

All-time winners of the Campeones Cup

Contested since its inception in 2018, MLS clubs won three of the first four Campeones Cup matches.

However, since 2023, Liga MX clubs have won three in a row, meaning they currently hold the overall advantage by a 4-3 score heading into the 2026 match.

There was no Campeones Cup held in 2020, since Liga MX had cancelled its season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

* Title won on a penalty shootout

How to watch the 2026 Campeones Cup final

Here's how to watch the 2026 Campeones Cup in the U.S., Canada, and around the world:

• TV channel: None
• Live stream: Apple TV

This game is available for live streaming on Apple TV.

New subscribers to AppleTV can sign up for a 7-day FREE trial. If you've bought an eligible Apple device recently, you can also get up to three months of the streaming service totally free. After that, the subscription will cost $12.99/month.