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1h ago

Seattle to Host Inter Miami in Leagues Cup Final After Messi’s Semifinal Brace

The winner claims direct entry to the 2026 Champions Cup round of 16 at a Lumen Field final expected to set a Leagues Cup attendance record.

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Inter Miami star Lionel Messi and teammate Telasco Segovia celebrate a goal in a Leagues Cup semi-final victory over Orlando City
Osaze De Rosario celebrates a goal with Seattle Sounders teammates Paul Rothrock and Pedro De La Vega in a Leagues Cup semi-final win over Los Angeles Galaxy

Overview

  • Messi returned from a right hamstring issue to convert a 77th‑minute penalty and add an 88th‑minute winner in a 3-1 semifinal comeback over Orlando, with Telasco Segovia scoring in stoppage time.
  • Both finalists have clinched 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup berths, and Sunday’s champion secures a round‑of‑16 slot.
  • The Sounders enter in strong form, outscoring Leagues Cup opponents 13-2 with eight different scorers and suffering just one defeat in 14 matches since the Club World Cup.
  • Seattle says ticket sales have surpassed the Leagues Cup single‑match record, with more Lumen Field sections opened for the Aug. 31 final.
  • Seattle beat the Galaxy 2-0 to reach the final and will be without suspended left back Nouhou Tolo, while Inter Miami’s core features Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and recent addition Rodrigo De Paul.