The Leagues Cup Final 2025 ended in heartbreak for Lionel Messi and Inter Miami as they were outclassed 3-0 by Seattle Sounders. What was expected to be another historic night for the Argentine legend turned into a bitter disappointment as the Herons failed to rise to the occasion. With Messi unable to make an impact and Luis Suárez sparking controversy with a violent act, Inter Miami were left embarrassed on one of the biggest stages of the year. The defeat also raises questions about Messi’s chances of winning any silverware in 2025, as the options for trophies are rapidly narrowing.
- Match: Inter Miami vs Seattle Sounders
- Competition: Leagues Cup Final 2025
- Result: Seattle Sounders 3-0 Inter Miami
- Goal Scorers: De Rosario (26’), Alex Roldan (pen 82’), Paul Rothrock (87’)
- Incident: Luis Suárez involved in a brawl after a violent act
- Venue: Seattle (home advantage for Sounders)
- Title Winner: Seattle Sounders – Leagues Cup Champions 2025
- Lionel Messi’s Next Target: Major League Soccer (MLS)
The Leagues Cup Final 2025 ended in disappointment for Lionel Messi and Inter Miami as they suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat to the Seattle Sounders. Despite high expectations surrounding Messi and Luis Suárez, the Herons failed to make an impact on a night dominated by Seattle. The final, which was supposed to be a showcase for Messi, turned into a nightmare as the Sounders secured their place in history.
The match took a dramatic turn early on when De Rosario opened the scoring in the 26th minute, leaving Inter Miami struggling to recover for the rest of the first half. Messi and Suárez attempted to bring their team back into the contest during the second half with flashes of creativity, but their efforts were cut short by Seattle’s sharp counterattacks.
Tensions flared when Suárez was involved in a violent act that triggered a brawl in the stadium. While emotions ran high, the Sounders kept their composure. A late penalty converted by Alex Roldan made it 2-0, before local talent Paul Rothrock sealed the humiliation with a third goal, ensuring Seattle’s triumph in the Leagues Cup Final.
Messi’s Trophy Hunt in 2025 Narrowing
This was more than just a defeat—it was a major setback in Lionel Messi’s quest for silverware in 2025. After losing in the semifinals of the Concacaf Champions Cup to Vancouver Whitecaps earlier this year, the Leagues Cup Final was considered one of Messi’s last realistic chances to lift a trophy with Inter Miami this season.
In the Concacaf tournament, Inter Miami were outclassed by Vancouver, who beat them 5–1 on aggregate across two legs. That elimination also meant Miami were not eligible for the U.S. Open Cup, as only 16 MLS teams were selected to compete, leaving Messi’s options further limited.
For Argentina, there are no major competitions in 2025. Having already lifted the Copa America in 2024, Messi and the Albiceleste will have to wait until 2026 for the next Copa America, Finalissima, and FIFA World Cup.
That leaves only one major objective this year for Messi: Major League Soccer (MLS).
With the Leagues Cup Final now behind them, Inter Miami’s focus shifts entirely to MLS. Javier Mascherano’s side currently sits in sixth place in the Eastern Conference with 46 points, trailing leaders Philadelphia Union by 11. However, Miami holds four games in hand, giving them a realistic chance to climb up the table and potentially challenge for the top spot.
The playoffs remain a viable route for Inter Miami, and if Messi can lead them deep into the postseason, it could save his 2025 campaign. For a player who is used to collecting trophies year after year, MLS represents his only opportunity to add silverware to his collection before the year ends.
Messi’s History with Trophy-Less Seasons
Lionel Messi is the most decorated footballer in history, with 46 titles won across his illustrious career with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Argentina, and Inter Miami. Rarely does a calendar year pass without Messi lifting at least one trophy.
Since making his professional debut in 2004, Messi has ended as a champion in 17 out of 21 years. The exceptions are 2004, 2007, 2014, and 2020. Each of those seasons had special circumstances: in 2004 he was just debuting, in 2007 Barcelona underperformed, in 2014 Argentina fell just short in the World Cup, and 2020 was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now, with the Leagues Cup Final defeat and the Concacaf exit, 2025 is shaping up as another rare year where Messi may finish empty-handed—unless he can inspire Inter Miami to MLS glory.
FAQs
Q1: Who won the Leagues Cup Final 2025?
Seattle Sounders won the Leagues Cup Final 2025, defeating Inter Miami 3-0.
Q2: Did Lionel Messi score in the Leagues Cup Final?
No, Lionel Messi failed to score or assist as Seattle Sounders kept him quiet throughout the game.
Q3: What other titles can Messi win in 2025?
After losing the Leagues Cup Final, Messi’s only remaining chance to win a trophy in 2025 is Major League Soccer.
Q4: Why didn’t Inter Miami play in the U.S. Open Cup this year?
Inter Miami were excluded due to their participation in the Concacaf Champions Cup, as MLS limited Open Cup spots to 16 teams.
Q5: Has Messi ever gone a year without winning a trophy?
Yes, Messi has had four trophy-less years—2004, 2007, 2014, and 2020. 2025 could join that list if he fails to win MLS.