In Miami, Inter Miami’s 2-0 Campeones Cup victory over Cruz Azul gave Casemiro another addition to a trophy collection built across Brazil, Spain and England. The Brazilian midfielder, who arrived in July, viewed the win as an important early marker for a club seeking to keep collecting silverware.
Quick facts
- Inter Miami defeated Cruz Azul 2-0 to win the Campeones Cup.
- Casemiro joined the Florida club in July.
- The midfielder praised Cruz Azul as difficult opponents and acknowledged their league success.
- He also highlighted Lionel Messi’s importance and urged the team to create the conditions for him to thrive.
- Casemiro said it was too early to judge new coach Kily González.
Casemiro said beating Cruz Azul carried weight because of the Mexican side’s quality and their recent domestic achievement. He said Miami must aim to win consistently, describing the cup success as the right route for the club’s future.
“It matters greatly to win looking ahead,” Casemiro said. “To beat such a difficult team, one that has won a very demanding league, means they deserve congratulations too. We are happy to have another title; Inter Miami should always aspire to win.”
The midfielder also turned to Messi, whose influence remains central to Miami’s attacking identity. Casemiro said playing alongside the Argentine makes the game simpler, while stressing that the team must help Messi enjoy his football.
“With Leo, everything becomes easier,” he said. “I already knew he was among the greatest ever, and when you are alongside him, you can only applaud. He proved it at the World Cup. We have to make him play, because when he is happy, winning matches becomes easier.”
Miami are also beginning a new chapter under Kily González, but Casemiro cautioned against making early assessments of the coach. He said a managerial change naturally brings fresh energy, and that beginning with a victory can be significant.
For Casemiro, the Campeones Cup extends a career-long record of honours into a new setting on the American coast. For Inter Miami, the 2-0 result against Cruz Azul offers both a trophy and an encouraging first step under their new manager.
