Seattle Sounders Crush Messi's Inter Miami Dreams with Commanding Leagues Cup Victory
The Seattle Sounders have captured the 2025 Leagues Cup title following their dominant performance against Inter Miami at Lumen Field on Sunday night.
Osaze De Rosario found the net with a well-placed header from a cross during the opening period, while Alex Roldan and Paul Rothrock added insurance goals in the closing 10 minutes, securing Seattle's 3–0 triumph before a crowd exceeding 69,000 spectators.
This victory makes the Sounders the inaugural American club to capture every available trophy, finally adding the coveted Leagues Cup to their impressive cabinet that includes two MLS Championships, four U.S. Open Cup titles, one Supporters' Shield, and a Concacaf Champions Cup.
De Rosario, whose father Dwayne De Rosario won four MLS Cup titles, broke the deadlock in the 26th minute with his fourth tournament goal, rising to direct Alex Roldan's delivery beyond Miami keeper Oscar Ustari.
Following the opener, Seattle continued applying pressure and generated additional opportunities during the opening 45 minutes, restricting Miami to merely four attempts, none finding the target. The second half saw a shift in momentum as Luis Suárez and Messi helped produce six more shots, though all failed to trouble the net.
Suárez released Messi with a through ball in the 50th minute, but the eight-time Ballon d'Or recipient sent his effort sailing above the bar. Nine minutes later, Suárez provided a clever flick to Tadeo Allende, who fired wide under pressure from keeper Andrew Thomas.
Despite Miami's continued attacking efforts, Seattle took command in the final stages with Roldan converting from the penalty spot in the 84th minute, before Rothrock capped off the victory with an 89th-minute finish to complete the 3–0 scoreline.
The goal represented a signature moment for Rothrock, especially after head coach Brian Schmetzer generated buzz before kickoff by declaring, "They've got Lionel Messi, but we've got Paul Rothrock." Prior to the match, the Sounders even promoted a jersey swap program, offering fans a complimentary Rothrock shirt in return for any Messi jersey.
Emotions ran high as the match concluded, with players and coaching staff from both teams engaging in heated confrontations following the final whistle.
The triumph secures Seattle automatic qualification to the Round of 16 in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup and provides momentum heading into their final seven MLS regular season fixtures. Inter Miami, meanwhile, will aim to finish the campaign on a positive note as both clubs prepare for extended MLS Cup Playoff campaigns.