In a thrilling and emotionally charged Leagues Cup final at Lumen Field, Inter Miami, led by the legendary Lionel Messi, suffered a heartbreaking 3-0 defeat to the Seattle Sounders on September 1, 2025. Despite Messi’s valiant efforts and a return to top form, the Herons could not overcome a resilient Sounders side, who claimed their first Leagues Cup title in front of a raucous home crowd.
A High-Stakes Showdown
The 2025 Leagues Cup final was one of the most anticipated matches of the year, pitting Messi’s star-studded Inter Miami against a battle-tested Seattle Sounders team. Miami, the 2023 Leagues Cup champions, entered the match as favorites after Messi’s heroic performance in the semifinals, where he scored twice to secure a 3-1 comeback victory over Orlando City. The Sounders, however, had momentum of their own, having dispatched the LA Galaxy 2-0 in their semifinal match.
The stage was set for a clash of titans, with Messi’s presence drawing global attention to the MLS-Liga MX tournament. Despite concerns about his fitness due to a nagging right leg muscle injury that sidelined him for parts of the tournament, Messi was confirmed fit to start by Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano, igniting hopes of a second Leagues Cup title for the Herons.
The Match: A Tale of Two Halves
The game began with both teams displaying high intensity, until Seattle struck in the 26th minute, with O. De Rosario giving them the lead in the first half.
The second half saw Miami come out with renewed vigor but all hope was cut short in the 84th minute after Seattle conceded a penalty which was converted by A. Roldan and the final goal in the 89th minute by P. Rothrock. The final whistle confirmed Seattle’s 3-0 victory, sparking wild celebrations among the home fans.
Looking Ahead
For Messi and Inter Miami, the defeat is a bitter pill to swallow, but their performance throughout the 2025 Leagues Cup reaffirmed their status as one of MLS’s elite teams. The loss does not diminish Messi’s legacy, as he continues to break records and captivate fans at 38 years old. With a berth in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup already secured, Miami has plenty to look forward to in the coming seasons.
For the Seattle Sounders, the victory marks a historic moment, as they add the Leagues Cup to their trophy cabinet and solidify their reputation as one of MLS’s most successful franchises. The match also underscored the growing competitiveness of the Leagues Cup, which continues to gain prominence as a showcase for North American soccer talent.
As Messi prepares to shift focus to Argentina’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers, including a highly anticipated match against Venezuela on September 4, 2025, fans will continue to marvel at his enduring brilliance. While the Leagues Cup title eluded him this time, Messi’s magic remains a beacon for soccer enthusiasts worldwide.