Seattle Sounders shock Messi’s Inter Miami to claim maiden Leagues Cup title

The Seattle Sounders stunned Lionel Messi and Inter Miami 3-0 on Sunday to capture their first Leagues Cup title, completing their sweep of every major North American trophy in front of a record crowd of 69,314 at Lumen Field. Osaze De Rosario opened the scoring in the 26th minute with a header from Alex Roldan’s cross, sending the Sounders faithful into raptures. Roldan later doubled the lead from the penalty spot in the 84th minute after Yannik Bright fouled Georgi Minoungou, before Paul Rothrock sealed the victory with a late strike in the 89th.


Seattle’s disciplined defense proved the difference, with Obed Vargas and Jackson Ragen repeatedly frustrating Messi and Miami’s star-studded attack. Messi saw early chances blocked and squandered a second-half opportunity set up by Luis Suárez, while teammate Tadeo Allende also missed a sitter in front of goal as Miami failed to mount another comeback like their semi-final win over Orlando.



Despite boasting a payroll nearly three times Seattle’s, Inter could not match the Sounders’ intensity, and tempers boiled over after the final whistle before officials restored order.


The Sounders, meanwhile, celebrated a historic milestone. Already owners of two MLS Cups, a Supporters’ Shield, four US Open Cups, and a CONCACAF Champions Cup, they became the first MLS side to win every major continental honor.


The victory also secured Seattle direct entry into the round of 16 of the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup, which will help decide a spot at the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup. For a franchise steeped in success, Sunday’s win marked another unforgettable chapter - and a night when Messi’s magic was muted by Seattle’s resilience.