Seattle Sounders capped off a historic night at Lumen Field with a dominant 3-0 victory over Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami in the 2025 Leagues Cup Final. The win not only gave Seattle its first Leagues Cup trophy but also made them the first MLS club to secure every major North American title available for U.S.-based teams.
Alex Roldan’s Penalty Seals the Victory
In the 84th minute, with Seattle already in control, midfielder Cristian Roldan handed penalty duties to his younger brother Alex Roldan. The right back calmly converted from the spot, giving the Sounders a two-goal cushion.
Minutes later, Paul Rothrock added a third goal (89’) to secure the championship in front of a record-breaking 69,314 fans, the largest crowd ever for a Leagues Cup match.
Osaze De Rosario Scores Opening Goal
Seattle opened the scoring in the 26th minute when Jesús Ferreira picked out Alex Roldan on the right wing. Roldan’s cross found forward Osaze De Rosario, who powered a header past Miami goalkeeper Óscar Ustari.
De Rosario, recently promoted from Tacoma Defiance (MLS Next Pro), has been crucial for the Sounders, scoring four goals in the tournament while stepping in for the injured Jordan Morris and suspended Danny Musovski.
Lionel Messi Shut Down in Seattle
The highly anticipated matchup with Lionel Messi didn’t go as Miami fans hoped. The Argentine superstar, who has 33 goals in 33 career finals, was held scoreless and met with boos from the Seattle crowd nearly every time he touched the ball.
Messi missed a clear chance in the 50th minute, while teammate Luis Suárez created multiple opportunities that Miami failed to convert.
Chaos After Final Whistle
The match ended in drama when Luis Suárez (38) rushed Seattle’s Obed Vargas (20), putting the midfielder in a headlock. A five-minute brawl broke out, overshadowing Miami’s frustrations in the loss.
Despite the chaos, Seattle lifted its fifth trophy at home, continuing its tradition of success in front of the Lumen Field faithful.
Historic Attendance and Fan Engagement
The final drew 69,314 fans, surpassing Seattle’s previous record of 69,274 set at the 2019 MLS Cup Final. The club also fueled excitement by offering to swap Messi jerseys for Paul Rothrock’s, capped at 100 exchanges, reinforcing its philosophy of building homegrown talent over costly transfers.
Seattle Earns Champions Cup Berth
With the win, Seattle not only lifted the Leagues Cup but also secured a bye into the Round of 16 of the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup. The LA Galaxy claimed the third CCC berth after defeating Orlando City 2-1 in the third-place match.
What’s Next for Seattle Sounders?
After a busy summer, head coach Brian Schmetzer has given the team a short break during the FIFA international window. The Sounders return to MLS play on September 13 vs. LA Galaxy at home before traveling to Florida for a regular season rematch against Inter Miami on September 16.
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