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3h ago

Messi-Led Inter Miami Face In-Form Sounders in Leagues Cup Final in Seattle

The winner secures direct entry to the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup round of 16.

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Galaxy forward Joseph Paintsil winds up to kick the ball during the second half of their Leagues Cup semifinal loss to the Seattle Sounders on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, at Dignity Health Sports Park. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - AUGUST 27: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF celebrates with teammates Telasco Segovia #8 and Tadeo Allende #21 after winning the Leagues Cup Semifinal between Inter Miami CF and Orlando City at Chase Stadium on August 27, 2025 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)

Overview

  • Messi returned from a muscle injury to score a 77th-minute penalty and an 88th-minute winner in Miami’s 3-1 semifinal over Orlando City.
  • Head coach Javier Mascherano says Messi is fit after completing 90 minutes, and Messi acknowledged feeling wary in the first half of his comeback.
  • Seattle reached the decider with a 2-0 win at the Galaxy, are 10-1-3 in their last 14 matches, and will be without suspended left-back Nouhou with other injuries lingering.
  • The Sounders opened Lumen Field’s upper bowl with expectations of breaking the Leagues Cup single-match attendance record.
  • Both finalists have clinched 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup places, the champion earns a round-of-16 berth, and Orlando meet the Galaxy for third with a Champions Cup spot on the line after two defensive red cards.