While clubs across Europe were wrapping up their Europa League, EFL Cup, La Liga and other clashes last night, their counterparts in North and South America were only getting started – and they didn't disappoint.03.30: (1.32) Flamengo (5.30) Independiente Del Valle (9.50)Santos, without the injured Neymar, were eliminated from the Copa Sudamericana – the South American equivalent of the UEFA Europa League – in the quarter-finals by compatriots Atletico Mineiro on penalties, after Galo erased a two-goal deficit from the first leg.It's samba time: Two ex-Premier League stars find new home in BrazilIn the Copa Libertadores, South America's equivalent of the Champions League, another Brazilian side, Palmeiras, booked their place in the semi-finals, beating the Ecuadorian club LDU Quito on penalties away from home. But the most exciting moment of the night came during the other quarter-final clash between Corinthians and Estudiantes.After a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Argentina, the Brazilian club was eyeing a place in the semi-finals for the first time since 2012, but there was no such luck.🤩🔝 La jugada de la noche: el gol agónico de Alexis Castro en Sao Paulo@CocaColaAr 🏆 CONMEBOL #Libertadores | #GloriaEterna pic.twitter.com/dyoIKpDUtp— CONMEBOL Libertadores (@Libertadores) September 17, 2026 When Alexis Castro broke the deadlock in the 87th minute and put the visitors in front, the home team suffered a bitter blow, but the cruel twist was yet to come.Deep in stoppage time, Corinthians were awarded a penalty to salvage a 1-1 draw and force extra time. However, instead of keeping his team alive, Memphis Depay sent the ball high over the bar and into the stands, becoming the tragic figure of yet another painful night for the Brazilian giants.😱😱 ¡No apto para cardíacos! Memphis Depay falló el penal del empate en la última jugada del partido. pic.twitter.com/CNYztH2rFf— CONMEBOL Libertadores (@Libertadores) September 17, 2026 Still, it wasn't all about sorrow in the Americas.While the South Americans battled all across the continent, Lionel Messi was lifting his 49th career trophy, the Campeones Cup – the annual meeting between the MLS and Mexican Liga MX champions, founded in 2018.What an honor for African football: Benin to face Messi in his Argentina farewell!For the first time in the club's history, Inter Miami clinched this trophy, beating Cruz Azul 2-0, thanks to Messi's opener (his 100th goal for Inter) and Casemiro's strike.After years of rivalry in Spain, wearing the shirts of Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively, the Argentine and Brazilian joined forces last night to lead their team to silverware.Messi broke the deadlock in the 24th minute in a rather unusual fashion for him, meeting Luis Suarez's perfect cross at the far post and powering a header into the net.In the 81st minute, Leo delivered a corner, and Casemiro headed it home, making it 2-0 and sealing Cruz Azul's fate.After three consecutive defeats in the Campeones Cup, an MLS champion finally lifted the trophy, while Messi continued to make history, even at 39.