Lionel Messi's quest for a 47th career trophy was thwarted as Inter Miami suffered a humbling 3-0 defeat against the Seattle Sounders in the Leagues Cup final. The Sounders dominated the match at Lumen Field, completing their collection of North American trophies in front of a record crowd of 69,314.
Osaze De Rosario opened the scoring for Seattle in the 26th minute, heading in a cross from Alex Roldan. Roldan himself added a second-half penalty, and Paul Rothrock sealed the victory with a late goal. Inter Miami, despite fielding a star-studded lineup including Messi and Luis Suarez, struggled to break down Seattle's determined defense.
Inter Miami's frustration was palpable, boiling over at the final whistle and almost triggering a brawl that officials had to quell. Suarez's violent act ignited the scuffle. The Sounders, with a significantly lower payroll of $16.7 million compared to Miami's $46.8 million, celebrated their first Leagues Cup title. They became the first MLS team to win every North American trophy, adding to their two MLS Cup crowns, an MLS Supporters Shield, four US Open Cups, and a CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Seattle's victory was comprehensive, with Inter Miami failing to create many clear-cut chances. Messi had a quiet game by his standards, and the Seattle defense, particularly Obed Vargas, proved to be a constant thorn in his side. Inter's best opportunity in the first half saw Messi go down in the box after tangling with Vargas, but appeals for a penalty were waved away.
The attendance of 69,314 not only broke the previous Leagues Cup record of 50,675 but also surpassed the Sounders' own record at Lumen Field, set during the 2019 MLS Cup final against Toronto FC. The city of Seattle has a rich history of hosting major international soccer events, including the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 earlier this summer.
With this victory, Seattle Sounders have earned a bye into the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16. MLS teams have now won the Leagues Cup for the third consecutive year, demonstrating their dominance over LIGA MX opponents. Inter Miami won in 2023, and Columbus Crew in 2024. MLS teams also secured all three Concacaf Champions Cup tickets awarded to the top three Leagues Cup finishers, with the LA Galaxy joining Seattle and Miami.
