Seattle Sounders Defeat Inter Miami in Leagues Cup Final, Ending Messi‘s Winning Streak
SEATTLE, WA – August 30, 2025 – Lionel Messi and Inter Miami suffered a decisive 3-0 defeat against the Seattle Sounders in the Leagues Cup Final at Lumen Field, marking Messi’s thirteenth loss in a final and halting a recent run of success with Inter Miami. The Sounders’ victory was built on a strong defensive performance that neutralized the threat of Messi and Luis Suárez, coupled with an effective attacking display.
The result represents a setback for Messi, who had grown accustomed to winning finals with both Argentina and Paris Saint-Germain, and recently claimed the Leagues Cup title with Inter Miami against Nashville. This defeat is his first in a final since losing the Spanish Super Cup against Athletic Bilbao in 2021. The Sounders’ Head Coach Brian Schmetzer highlighted his team’s strategy, stating, “messi is arguably the best player the world has ever seen, but we have Paul Rothrock…” and confidently added, “Suarez is not going to run by anybody because Yeimar is faster.”
Seattle’s success stemmed from a near-flawless defensive showing, effectively limiting the attacking opportunities for messi and Suárez.They than capitalized in attack, securing the Leagues Cup title before a crowd of thousands at Lumen Field.
this is the thirteenth final lost by Lionel Messi throughout his career:
Europe Super cup 2006: Barcelona 0-3 Seville
Copa del Rey 2010-11: Barcelona 0-1 real Madrid
SPAIN SUPERCOPA 2012: Barcelona 3-2 / 1-2 Real Madrid
Copa del Rey 2013-14: Barcelona 1-2 Real Madrid
SPAIN SUPERCOPA 2015: Barcelona 0-4 / 1-1 Athletic Bilbao
SPAIN SUPERCOPA 2017: Barcelona 1-3 / 0-2 Real Madrid
Copa del Rey 2018-19: Barcelona 1-2 Valencia
SPAIN SUPERCOPA 2021: Barcelona 2-3 Athletic Bilbao
Copa América 2007: Argentina 0-3 Brazil
2014 World Cup: Argentina 0-1 Germany
Copa América 2015: Argentina 0-0 (1-4) Chile
Copa América 2016: Argentina 0-0 (2-4 Chile)
* Leagues Cup 2025: Seattle Sounders 3-0 Inter Miami