Sounders Stun Messi’s Inter Miami to Lift Leagues Cup

Seattle Sounders shocked Lionel Messi and Inter Miami with a resounding 3-0 victory on Sunday to claim their first-ever Leagues Cup title at Lumen Field.

Osaze De Rosario opened the scoring in the 26th minute before Alex Roldan’s late penalty and Paul Rothrock’s strike sealed the win in front of a record crowd of 69,314 fans. The Sounders’ disciplined defense frustrated Messi and his high-profile teammates, ensuring the club became the first MLS side to secure every major North American trophy.

Celebrations were briefly overshadowed by a post-match brawl, sparked when Luis Suarez clashed with Seattle midfielder Obed Vargas. Suarez appeared to spit at a Sounders assistant during the melee before officials restored order.

“It’s against one of the best teams in the world, with Messi the best player in the world,” said Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer. “But we played smart and kept our composure.”

The triumph, against Miami’s star-studded squad with a payroll nearly triple Seattle’s, adds to the Sounders’ rich history that already includes two MLS Cups, a Supporters’ Shield, four US Open Cups, and a CONCACAF Champions Cup.

Both finalists had already secured spots in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup, but Seattle’s victory guarantees them direct entry to the round of 16.