Seattle Sounders Stun Messi’s Inter Miami to Clinch Leagues Cup

Seattle Sounders delivered a commanding performance on Sunday night, defeating Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami 3-0 to win the Leagues Cup final at a record-breaking Lumen Field.

Osaze De Rosario opened the scoring in the 26th minute with a powerful header from an Alex Roldan cross. Roldan later doubled the lead from the penalty spot before Paul Rothrock sealed the victory in the 89th minute, sending the 69,314 fans the largest ever crowd for a Leagues Cup fixture into wild celebration.

The triumph made Seattle the first Major League Soccer side to claim every major North American trophy, adding the Leagues Cup to their collection of two MLS Cups, an MLS Supporters’ Shield, four U.S. Open Cups and a CONCACAF Champions Cup.

However, the final was overshadowed by a post-match melee sparked by Inter striker Luis Suarez, who confronted Sounders midfielder Obed Vargas. Suarez was also caught on camera appearing to spit at a Seattle assistant coach, forcing officials to intervene before the Sounders could begin their celebrations.

Despite Miami’s $46.8 million payroll dwarfing Seattle’s $16.7 million roster, the Sounders’ resilience held firm against a star-studded Inter lineup led by Messi. The Argentine maestro came close on several occasions but was repeatedly denied by Seattle’s disciplined defense.

“It’s unbelievable,” said De Rosario. “I beat Messi in a final. It’s a dream come true.”

Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer hailed his team’s grit: “At 1-0, the game could have gone either way, but the players dug deep. We played smart, kept our composure, and that’s why we won.”

Both finalists had already secured qualification for the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup, with Seattle earning direct entry into the round of 16. Meanwhile, LA Galaxy claimed third place with a 2-1 win over Orlando City to also secure a Champions Cup berth.

For Seattle, the night was historic, not only for lifting a new trophy, but for doing so against Messi and one of the most expensive squads in world football.