Inter Miami Battles Seattle Sounders for Leagues Cup Glory: Final Showdown Preview, Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed

Inter Miami and Seattle Sounders FC represented MLS at the FIFA Club World Cup and have established themselves as top-tier teams in recent years.

This Sunday, these two clubs clash in the 2025 Leagues Cup Final, with Miami seeking their second championship after their 2023 triumph and the Sounders aiming to add a ninth trophy to their collection. 

For Miami, the timing is crucial. After falling short in their Concacaf Champions Cup aspirations, questions linger about whether their veteran stars can endure the demanding journey to MLS Cup. Meanwhile, Seattle returns to a final for the first time since capturing the 2022 Concacaf Champions Cup. 

Both clubs have already earned spots in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup by reaching this final. 

Here's your complete guide to Sunday's showdown. 

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Inter Miami Team News

Inter Miami secured a dramatic semifinal victory, overcoming Florida rivals Orlando City 3–1, with Messi's 89th-minute strike proving decisive. Now they pursue a second Leagues Cup crown, following their 2023 success during Messi's inaugural campaign with the franchise.

Despite inconsistent performances throughout the season, Miami has demonstrated their capabilities in Leagues Cup competition, with multiple players supporting Messi as he managed injuries during the final two Phase One encounters against Necaxa and Pumas UNAM, plus the quarterfinal versus Tigres UANL.

Messi found the net upon his Leagues Cup return and appears ready for the final. This campaign, he has recorded 25 goals and 11 assists across all competitions, hoping to make Sunday's Leagues Cup championship the 46th trophy in his record-breaking career.

Beyond Messi, Luis Suárez has emerged as a tournament standout with three goals, while Rodrigo De Paul has validated his value since debuting against Atlas in the competition opener. Additionally, Maxi Falcón has strengthened the defense, and both Oscar Ustari and Rocco Ríos Novo have impressed in goal.

Regarding injuries, Miami will be without backup striker Allen Obando, as they approach full fitness for one of the few occasions this season.

In 2023, Miami defeated Nashville SC for the title, with Messi earning Player of the Tournament honors. Can he and the team repeat this success?

Inter Miami Predicted Lineup vs. Seattle Sounders

Inter Miami Predicted Lineup vs. Orlando City (4-2-3-1): Ustari; Weigandt, Luján, Falcón, Alba; Busquets, De Paul; Rodriguez, Messi, Segovia; Suárez

Seattle Sounders Team News

The Seattle Sounders stood as the only MLS or Liga MX club to earn maximum points from their three Phase One matches, defeating Cruz Azul, Santos Laguna and Tijuana, highlighted by their tournament-opening 7–0 demolition of Concacaf Champions Cup holders, Cruz Azul. 

While the Cruz Azul victory launched their campaign and featured the tournament's best goal from Designated Player winger Pedro De La Vega, it merely established the foundation for their Leagues Cup run. In the quarterfinals, they eliminated Puebla through Andrew Thomas' penalty shootout heroics, then comfortably dispatched LA Galaxy 2–0 in the semifinal. 

Throughout Leagues Cup, the Sounders have dominated opponents 13–2 and maintained excellent MLS form, posting five victories and three draws in their last nine league matches since the FIFA Club World Cup—including a commanding 5–2 triumph over Sporting Kansas City during Leagues Cup play.

De La Vega has been instrumental for the Sounders in the tournament, netting three goals from wide positions. Meanwhile, Osaze De Rosario has contributed three goals from the striker role, though improved finishing could have yielded more. Beyond the goal scorers, the center-back partnership of Yeimar Gomez and Jackson Ragen continues to excel, while the midfield duo of Obed Vargas and Cristian Roldan provides stability.

Thomas is expected to retain the starting goalkeeper position for the Leagues Cup final with veteran Stefan Frei available as backup. However, head coach Brian Schmetzer must adjust his formation, with right back Nouhou and striker Danny Muskovski both suspended. 

Injury-wise, the Sounders will miss Paul Arriola and João Paulo, with Jordan Morris remaining on long-term absence. 

The Sounders possess eight trophies in their history and captured the 2022 Concacaf Champions Cup to secure FIFA Club World Cup 2025 participation. But after two seasons without reaching a final, can they rise to the challenge against Miami?

Seattle Sounders Predicted Lineup vs. Inter Miami

Seattle Sounders Predicted Lineup vs. Inter Miami (4-2-3-1): Thomas; A. Roldan, Gomez, Ragen, Baker-Whiting; Vargas, C. Roldan; Rothrock, Ferreira, De La Vega; De Rosario

Seattle Sounders vs. Inter Miami Score Prediction

Inter Miami has focused on silverware since acquiring Lionel Messi in 2023, but the Seattle Sounders have built their franchise reputation on the eight championships they've claimed since entering MLS in 2009. 

Neither side will find this match straightforward, and the talent edge favors Miami. However, with home-field advantage and minimal travel, plus the chance to capture this competition for the first time, Seattle may possess a slight edge entering the encounter. 

De La Vega is performing like a genuine DP and Seattle has looked outstanding since the FIFA Club World Cup. Defeating Messi and company in a final presents no simple task, but the Rave Green could be the squad to accomplish it. 

Score Prediction: Seattle Sounders 3–1 Inter Miami