The Seattle Sounders claimed their first-ever Leagues Cup title in emphatic fashion on Sunday, dismantling Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami with a commanding 3-0 victory at Lumen Field. The win was defined by clinical execution, tactical discipline, and a performance that gave fans plenty to celebrate—and opponents little to cheer about.
A defining moment from De Rosario
The breakthrough came in the 26th minute when Osaze De Rosario rose above the Miami defence to meet a pinpoint cross from Alex Roldán. The header found the bottom-left corner, giving Seattle an early edge in what would prove to be a one-sided final.
This goal not only broke the deadlock but also underlined De Rosario’s rise—coming from a storied soccer lineage, with his father being former Canadian star Dwayne De Rosario—and highlighted his growing impact at the highest level.
Controlling the pressure
Inter Miami struggled to convert opportunities, including a glaring miss by Messi who failed to bring his Leagues Cup goal tally to 34 despite being left unmarked after a slick pass from Luis Suárez.. Moments later, Tadeo Allende wasted another golden chance, firing well off target despite being clean through on goal.
Seattle nearly doubled their lead before halftime when Jesús Ferreira hit the post with a powerful attempt. The miss, however, didn’t deter the Sounders’ momentum.
Sealing the victory
The second half saw Seattle extend their advantage. In the 84th minute, substitute Georgi Minoungou was fouled in the box—earning a penalty that Roldán calmly dispatched. Just five minutes later, Paul Rothrock sealed the emphatic win with a well-placed finish for the third goal.
With this triumph, the Sounders made history as the only MLS club to have won all five major trophies up for grabs—MLS Cup, Concacaf Champions Cup, U.S. Open Cup, Supporters’ Shield, and now the Leagues Cup. The victory also secured them a direct spot into the Round of 16 of the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup.
A blemished celebration
The jubilation was marred by a disturbing post-match melee. Emotions boiled over when Inter Miami striker Luis Suárez grabbed Seattle’s Obed Vargas in a headlock, sparking scuffles between players and staff. The situation escalated when footage showed Suárez spitting at a Sounders staff member—a moment that overshadowed what should have been a purely celebratory occasion.
Seattle’s coach, Brian Schmetzer, expressed regret that the altercation drew attention away from his team’s performance. MLS and Liga MX’s disciplinary committee is expected to review the incident, potentially leading to sanctions against involved parties.
What it means going forward
The Sounders’ display was more than just a title win—it was a statement. They showed tactical maturity, depth in their squad, and execution in critical moments. Conversely, Inter Miami’s final exposed cracks in finishing under pressure and discipline on the field.
The final sets Seattle up not just as champions in this tournament, but as a dominant force across all North American competitions. Meanwhile, the fallout from the post-game fracas will likely linger, with consequences for individuals and possibly reform around post-game protocols.
