Sounders Stun Messi’s Inter Miami 3–0 In Leagues Cup final

Seattle Sounders FC produced a ruthless, disciplined performance to beat Inter Miami 3–0 in the 2025 Leagues Cup final at Lumen Field, a victory that crowned the Sounders champions in front of a reported club-record crowd of 69,314.

Osaze De Rosario opened the scoring with a header, Álex Roldán converted from the spot in the second half, and Paul Rothrock wrapped things up in stoppage time as Seattle controlled the decisive moments and left little margin for error. The win not only delivered the Leagues Cup trophy to Seattle, it completed a sweep of major North American honours for the club. 

Key moments and the flow of the game

The match’s pattern was straightforward: Seattle struck first through a well-timed header (De Rosario), and when Miami pushed men forward in search of an equaliser they left spaces that Seattle exploited. Roldán’s penalty—given after a foul that handed Seattle renewed control—dented Miami’s hopes, and Rothrock’s late finish punctured any realistic route back into the game. Miami created some half-chances but repeatedly failed to turn possession into real goal threat; Seattle’s finishing and game management proved clinical.

Messi’s night: threat without the reward

Lionel Messi, the obvious headline attraction, had his moments but ultimately finished the night without the goal that could have swung momentum. Reports and match footage show Messi squandering at least one gilt-edged opportunity—described by several outlets as a “sitter”—and more than one clear chance that went begging; those misses were pivotal in a game where Miami could not fashion a sustained, cutting attack. Rather than rescuing his side, Messi’s chances went begging and the Sounders defended him effectively when it mattered most. 

Tactics: how Seattle neutralised a superstar and a star-studded XI

Tactically, Seattle’s blueprint was high intensity, smart compactness in the middle, and rapid exploitation of counters. Youth and energy on the flanks — combined with disciplined defensive work from the midfield and full-backs — limited Inter Miami’s time on the ball in dangerous areas. Obed Vargas (and Seattle’s wider pressing structure) repeatedly disrupted Miami’s build-up, forcing rushed passes and preventing the normal interplay that gives Messi space to operate. The Sounders’ structure turned quality possession into high-value chances while keeping Miami’s finishing options quiet.

Post-match fallout: a brawl and disciplinary questions

The match’s story did not end with the final whistle. Video and eyewitness reports captured a heated altercation after the game involving several players and staff. Most seriously, footage circulated showing Luis Suárez apparently spitting at a Seattle security official; the episode followed a physical confrontation in which Suárez grabbed an opponent and tensions spilled over. The brawl has generated immediate calls for review and possible sanctions, and both clubs and tournament authorities are expected to probe the incident. The on-field defeat and off-field controversy combined to make a fraught night for Inter Miami.

What the result means: trophies, qualification and the narrative around Messi

Seattle’s victory secures the Leagues Cup title and with it a place in the CONCACAF Champions Cup (and the associated continental privileges) — a tangible sporting reward for the club’s planning and consistency. For Inter Miami, the loss raises immediate footballing questions about finishing and cohesion in big matches, and reputational questions as officials examine the post-game conduct. For Messi personally, the defeat is a missed chapter in an otherwise dazzling tenure in MLS; it’s the kind of big-match night that will be parsed repeatedly in the media and by fans as he seeks more silverware with Miami.