The Seattle Sounders shocked Lionel Messi and Inter Miami with a commanding 3-0 victory on Sunday to lift the Leagues Cup, a final overshadowed by a post-match brawl that saw Luis Suárez appear to spit at a rival coach.
Osaze De Rosario opened the scoring in the 26th minute, Alex Roldan doubled the lead with a late penalty, and Paul Rothrock sealed the win for Seattle at Lumen Field. The Sounders’ resolute defending neutralized Miami’s star-studded attack, led by Messi, who was left frustrated throughout the night.
Inter Miami’s tempers flared at the final whistle. Suárez charged at Seattle midfielder Obed Vargas, sparking a series of clashes. Cameras caught the Uruguayan striker apparently spitting in the direction of a Sounders assistant coach before officials intervened.
Despite operating with a payroll of $16.7 million compared with Miami’s $46.8 million, Seattle became the first MLS team to capture every major North American trophy. The Sounders now boast two MLS Cup titles, a Supporters’ Shield, four U.S. Open Cups, a CONCACAF Champions Cup—and now the Leagues Cup.
“This one is special,” head coach Brian Schmetzer said. “It’s against one of the best teams in our league, in the world, with Messi the best player in the world.”
De Rosario, who nearly scored in the opening minutes before being denied by Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari, called the win “a dream come true.” “I beat Messi in a final!” he exclaimed.
The night drew a record crowd of 69,314, the largest ever for a Leagues Cup match and for a Sounders game at Lumen Field.
Messi, who helped Inter Miami win the Leagues Cup in 2023 during his debut MLS season, struggled to make an impact. His 19th-minute strike was blocked by Seattle defender Jackson Ragen, and he later squandered a golden chance in front of goal, lofting the ball over the crossbar. Teammate Tadeo Allende also missed from point-blank range in the 60th minute, further deepening Miami’s frustrations.
Seattle, meanwhile, dug deep. “At 1-0 the game could have gone either way,” Schmetzer admitted. “But we played smart, kept our composure, and that’s why we won.”
Roldan’s 84th-minute penalty gave the Sounders breathing room, and Rothrock’s 89th-minute strike unleashed celebrations in front of a roaring home crowd.
With the triumph, Seattle secured direct entry into the round of 16 of the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup, which will decide a spot at the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup. Inter Miami, despite the defeat, had already qualified for the tournament.
In Los Angeles, the Galaxy beat Orlando City 2-1 in the third-place match to also book a Champions Cup berth.
