Sounders Prove Their Worth: Stunning Leagues Cup Victory Over Inter Miami Reinforces Club's Championship DNA

What began as a playful remark from Seattle native and veteran head coach Brian Schmetzer evolved into a moment that will be etched in Seattle Sounders FC lore. 

"Messi is, without question, the greatest player the world has ever witnessed," the composed and reflective 63-year-old stated before the 2025 Leagues Cup Final. "But we have Paul Rothrock."

When the final whistle blew before more than 69,000 predominantly Sounders supporters at Lumen Field in Seattle on Sunday, it was Rothrock who had the final say. The 26-year-old netted the decisive strike in the 89th minute to secure a 3–0 victory over Messi's Inter Miami, capturing the championship for Seattle. 

"This is a collection of quality individuals who work tirelessly and trust in one another and compete for each other, and I'm incredibly proud that our approach prevailed tonight," Rothrock stated. "That's a remarkable, remarkable match for the Sounders."

Despite a heated altercation that erupted following his goal and the final whistle, which appeared to involve several punches and a possible spit from Luis Suárez toward a Sounders staff member, the moment for Rothrock and the Sounders to hoist the trophy eventually came. 

A ninth championship in their history, and a historic achievement as they became the first MLS franchise to capture all possible titles, adding the Leagues Cup to their two MLS Cups, four U.S. Open Cups, Supporters' Shield and Concacaf Champions Cup. 

In numerous respects, it was fitting. The 26-year-old American, who labored in USL before finally establishing himself as a Sounders mainstay, overshadowed Messi and the stars of Miami, who came up short of silverware for the fourth occasion since claiming the 2023 Leagues Cup.

And Rothrock's strike followed goals from Osaze De Rosario, the son of four-time MLS Cup winner Dwayne De Rosario, and Alex Roldan, who overcame the odds to discover his vital role with the Sounders. 

Before the match, hundreds of supporters also participated in a Sounders club initiative, which provided a complimentary Rothrock jersey in exchange for a Messi jersey, and the team in Rave Green delivered on the excitement afterward with their display. 

"We have an excellent squad...They might not be the names that are on the global stage, but they're definitely skilled individuals, skilled players. They invest everything into their profession," Schmetzer said. "They're not recognizable names worldwide, but as a unit they're very powerful."

Unlike other occasions throughout the league when Messi and Miami have visited, Sunday was unique–– and Seattle always has been. It's a soccer community at its core, with the Sounders tracing back to 1974, well before their achievements as an MLS franchise. 

There were Messi supporters, naturally, and many may have attended to witness one of the greatest ever to wear cleats. Still, a championship for Seattle resonates differently, particularly on a squad that has faced substantial injuries and other obstacles all season. 

"The organization from top to bottom, the coaching staff, everyone, they deserve this," Schmetzer added. "The supporters deserve this victory...But recognition to everyone in the organization."

Triumphing at Home a Cornerstone of Sounders Identity

While securing a record ninth championship stands as a major accomplishment in American soccer, so does the club's supremacy in finals when contested at Lumen Field – they're now five for five. 

Sunday represented the first final the Sounders had contested since capturing the 2022 Concacaf Champions Cup against Pumas UNAM, also on an electric evening at Lumen Field, which followed other championship-winning occasions in the U.S. Open Cup and 2019 MLS Cup. 

However, it's championships that serve as the club's foundation. They may not be recognized as the team that acquires the most glamorous names or brings in the most costly players, but their identity is constructed on winning, and they maintained that with the Leagues Cup, which couldn't have come against a more significant opponent. 

"Not many players can claim they have defeated Messi in a final," De Rosario said, Champagne goggles attached to his forehead after the contest. "I don't know what Miami is doing, but they are not claiming the Leagues Cup this year."

With the victory, though, it opens up additional aspirations for the Sounders. With a roster featuring multiple Homegrown players, MLS SuperDraft selections, and acquisitions from MLS Next Pro side Tacoma Defiance, they can aspire to adding more, with their sights set on the MLS Cup Playoffs this fall. 

Meanwhile, they also secured a spot in the Concacaf Champions Cup for 2026, and will bypass Round One, joining the competition in the Round of 16. Inter Miami and third-place Leagues Cup finishers LA Galaxy will enter in the opening round of the knockout tournament. 

"This match was very much a confirmation of the Sounders culture and who we are, and we've got more homegrown kids and college players than anyone else," Rothrock said. "That's a testament to Schmetz, that's a testament to the front office, that's a testament to the staff we have."

Inter Miami Player Ratings vs. Seattle Sounders (4-3-3)

Seattle Sounders Player Ratings vs. Inter Miami (4-2-3-1)