Online Desk : The Seattle Sounders delivered a stunning 3-0 victory over Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami on Sunday to claim their first-ever Leagues Cup title, completing a clean sweep of every major North American trophy in front of a record crowd at Lumen Field.
Osaze De Rosario opened the scoring in the 26th minute, heading in a cross from Alex Roldan. Roldan later converted a penalty in the 84th minute before Paul Rothrock sealed the win with a late goal in the 89th. The Sounders’ resolute defense held firm against an Inter Miami side led by eight-time Ballon d`Or winner Messi, whose frustrations were evident in a post-match melee that briefly delayed Seattle’s celebrations.
Despite being outspent — Seattle’s $16.7 million payroll pales in comparison to Miami’s $46.8 million — the Sounders made history by becoming the first MLS club to win every North American trophy available: two MLS Cups, a Supporters’ Shield, four US Open Cups, the CONCACAF Champions Cup, and now the Leagues Cup.
“It’s a lot,” said head coach Brian Schmetzer. “Because look, it’s against one of the best teams in our league, in the world, with Messi the best player in the world.”
De Rosario, son of former MLS MVP Dwayne De Rosario, nearly scored just minutes into the game, but his third-minute header was saved by Miami keeper Oscar Ustari. When he finally found the net in the 26th minute, the crowd of 69,314 — a new Leagues Cup and club record — erupted.
“It`s crazy, it`s a dream come true. I beat Messi in a final!” De Rosario said after the match.
Messi, who led Inter Miami to the Leagues Cup title in 2023 during his debut MLS season, struggled to make an impact. His best opportunity came in the second half, when he chipped a shot over the bar after being set up by Luis Suarez. Tadeo Allende also missed a clear chance shortly after, leaving Miami ruing wasted opportunities.
Seattle’s high-pressure defending and clinical finishing proved decisive. After Roldan’s penalty provided a cushion, Rothrock’s late goal capped a statement win.
“That second goal helped us relieve the pressure and then you couldn’t ask for a more storybook ending for Paul to score that third goal,” Schmetzer said. “It’s a great day to be a Sounder.”
The victory also secured Seattle a direct spot in the round of 16 of the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup, part of the pathway to the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup. Inter Miami, as runners-up, also qualified for the regional tournament.
In the third-place match, the LA Galaxy defeated Orlando City 2-1 to claim the final Champions Cup qualification spot.
