Orlando vs. Miami: Goals & Rivalry Preview | Leagues Cup 2025

Inter Miami CF advanced to the final of the 2025 Leagues Cup, defeating Orlando City SC 3-1 on Wednesday, August 27, at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The victory avenges two prior losses to Orlando City this season, where the Lions previously outscored Inter Miami 7-1 across two MLS regular-season matches.

The semifinal matchup, contested between two MLS teams, underscored a trend in the 2025 tournament: an MLS side is guaranteed to win Leagues Cup for the third consecutive year. This dominance comes after a format change intended to bolster Liga MX’s competitiveness, according to reports. The shift in format for the 2025 season aimed to create a more level playing field for Liga MX clubs, but MLS teams have continued to thrive.

Luis Suárez played a key role in Inter Miami’s quarterfinal win against Tigres UANL, scoring two goals in a 2-1 victory, although Lionel Messi was sidelined due to injury. Orlando City had previously eliminated Toluca of Liga MX in the quarterfinals, advancing 6-5 on penalties after a 0-0 draw. Seattle Sounders FC also secured their place in the final with a penalty shootout victory over Puebla, while LA Galaxy defeated an unnamed Liga MX opponent to complete the semifinal pairings.

The 2025 Leagues Cup features 36 teams, comprised of the top 18 MLS teams from the 2024 season and all 18 Liga MX clubs. The tournament’s top three finishers will qualify for the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup. Seattle Sounders FC ultimately won the tournament, defeating Inter Miami CF 3-0 in the final at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington, with a record attendance of 69,314 spectators.

The final between Inter Miami and Seattle Sounders FC is scheduled for August 31, 2025. The tournament began on July 29, 2025, and featured a group stage followed by a knockout phase. During the group stage, teams played three games against opponents from the opposing league – MLS versus Liga MX.