emirates7 - The Seattle Sounders shocked Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami with a commanding 3-0 victory on Sunday, lifting their first-ever Leagues Cup trophy — a milestone win that was marred by a heated post-match clash involving Luis Suarez.
In front of a record crowd of 69,314 at Lumen Field, Seattle put on a disciplined performance, neutralizing Miami’s star-studded lineup to complete a rare sweep of all major North American titles. Osaze De Rosario opened the scoring in the 26th minute, Alex Roldan added a penalty late in the game, and Paul Rothrock finished the night with a decisive third goal, igniting jubilant celebrations.
Despite Miami’s hefty $46.8 million roster compared to Seattle’s $16.7 million payroll, it was the Sounders who showed superior composure and tactical strength. Messi was kept under tight control, his most dangerous attempt blocked by defender Jackson Ragen, while Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul squandered key chances.
“We were under pressure but stayed disciplined and smart,” said coach Brian Schmetzer. “Beating one of the best teams in the world, with Messi on the field, makes this truly special.”
However, celebrations were overshadowed when Suarez clashed with midfielder Obed Vargas at the final whistle, triggering a bench-clearing brawl. Cameras appeared to capture Suarez spitting toward a Seattle assistant coach as officials rushed to restore order.
“I suppose that shows how frustrated they were, but that shouldn’t be the headline,” Schmetzer remarked.
Even so, the altercation risks stealing focus from Seattle’s historic feat. With the win, the Sounders became the first MLS side to collect every major North American trophy: two MLS Cups, a Supporters’ Shield, four US Open Cups, the CONCACAF Champions Cup, and now the Leagues Cup.
The triumph also guarantees Seattle a direct place in the round of 16 of the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup, keeping alive their path to the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup. For the Sounders, it was both a statement of resilience and a landmark achievement for Major League Soccer. For Inter Miami, the night underscored that even with Messi, success is never assured — and emotions can sometimes undo opportunity.
In front of a record crowd of 69,314 at Lumen Field, Seattle put on a disciplined performance, neutralizing Miami’s star-studded lineup to complete a rare sweep of all major North American titles. Osaze De Rosario opened the scoring in the 26th minute, Alex Roldan added a penalty late in the game, and Paul Rothrock finished the night with a decisive third goal, igniting jubilant celebrations.
Despite Miami’s hefty $46.8 million roster compared to Seattle’s $16.7 million payroll, it was the Sounders who showed superior composure and tactical strength. Messi was kept under tight control, his most dangerous attempt blocked by defender Jackson Ragen, while Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul squandered key chances.
“We were under pressure but stayed disciplined and smart,” said coach Brian Schmetzer. “Beating one of the best teams in the world, with Messi on the field, makes this truly special.”
However, celebrations were overshadowed when Suarez clashed with midfielder Obed Vargas at the final whistle, triggering a bench-clearing brawl. Cameras appeared to capture Suarez spitting toward a Seattle assistant coach as officials rushed to restore order.
“I suppose that shows how frustrated they were, but that shouldn’t be the headline,” Schmetzer remarked.
Even so, the altercation risks stealing focus from Seattle’s historic feat. With the win, the Sounders became the first MLS side to collect every major North American trophy: two MLS Cups, a Supporters’ Shield, four US Open Cups, the CONCACAF Champions Cup, and now the Leagues Cup.
The triumph also guarantees Seattle a direct place in the round of 16 of the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup, keeping alive their path to the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup. For the Sounders, it was both a statement of resilience and a landmark achievement for Major League Soccer. For Inter Miami, the night underscored that even with Messi, success is never assured — and emotions can sometimes undo opportunity.