Sophia
The stage is set for a monumental showdown in the 2025 Leagues Cup Final as two MLS titans, the Seattle Sounders FC and Inter Miami CF, prepare to battle for glory. On Sunday, August 31st, Lumen Field will host a captivating contest where Miami aims for its second Leagues Cup title in three seasons, while the Sounders look to add a historic ninth trophy to their illustrious cabinet.
This final carries significant weight for both clubs. For Inter Miami, it’s an opportunity to solidify their burgeoning legacy and silence doubts surrounding their aging star-studded squad after falling short in their Concacaf Champions Cup aspirations. For Seattle, it marks a triumphant return to a major final, their first since capturing the 2022 Concacaf Champions Cup.
Crucially, both finalists have already secured berths in the prestigious 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup, adding an extra layer of prestige to this highly anticipated encounter.
Match Details: When and Where to Watch
- Location: Seattle, Washington
- Stadium: Lumen Field
- Date: Sunday, August 31st
- Kick-Off Time: 7:45 p.m. ET / 4:45 p.m. PT
How to Watch
Fans across the United States and globally can catch all the action live on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. US television viewers can also tune into TUDN and Univision.
Head-to-Head Record and Current Form
The two clubs have met only once before, with Inter Miami emerging victorious with a 1-0 win. While a single match offers limited historical context, recent form provides a clearer picture of their trajectories leading into the final.
Recent Form (All Competitions)
| Seattle Sounders | Inter Miami |
|---|---|
| LA Galaxy 0–2 Seattle Sounders – 8/27/25 | Inter Miami 3–1 Orlando City – 8/27/25 |
| Seattle Sounders 5–2 Sporting Kansas City – 8/24/25 | D.C. United 1–1 Inter Miami – 8/23/25 |
| Seattle Sounders 0–0 Puebla (4–3 on pens) – 8/20/25 | Inter Miami 2–1 Tigres UANL – 8/20/25 |
| Minnesota United 1–0 Seattle Sounders – 8/16/25 | Inter Miami 3–1 LA Galaxy – 8/16/25 |
| LA Galaxy 0–4 Seattle Sounders – 8/10/25 | Orlando City SC 4–1 Inter Miami – 8/10/25 |
Inter Miami: Chasing History with Messi
Inter Miami arrives in the final fresh off a dramatic 3-1 semifinal victory over Florida rivals Orlando City, sealed by an 89th-minute goal from none other than Lionel Messi. This marks their second Leagues Cup final appearance, having triumphed in 2023 during Messi’s inaugural run with the club.
While Miami’s MLS season has been a rollercoaster of inconsistency, their Leagues Cup campaign has showcased their undeniable potential. Despite Messi battling injuries through earlier phases, other key players have stepped up admirably. Messi, however, is now back to full strength and ready to add a staggering 46th trophy to his world-record collection, having already amassed 25 goals and 11 assists across all competitions this season.
Beyond Messi’s brilliance, Luis Suárez has been a formidable presence with three goals in the tournament, while Rodrigo De Paul has made a significant impact since his debut. Defensively, Maxi Falcón has shown marked improvement, and goalkeepers Oscar Ustari and Rocco Ríos Novo have performed admirably. Miami will only be missing depth striker Allen Obando due to injury, entering the final near full health.
Inter Miami Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
Ustari; Weigandt, Luján, Falcón, Alba; Busquets, De Paul; Rodriguez, Messi, Segovia; Suárez
Seattle Sounders: Home Field Advantage and Relentless Form
The Seattle Sounders have been nothing short of dominant in the Leagues Cup, securing a perfect nine points from their three Phase One games against Cruz Azul, Santos Laguna, and Tijuana. Their tournament-opening 7-0 thrashing of Concacaf Champions Cup winners Cruz Azul sent a clear message, highlighted by a contender for “goal of the tournament” from Designated Player winger Pedro De La Vega.
Their journey to the final included a penalty shootout victory over Puebla, thanks to Andrew Thomas’ heroics, and a comfortable 2-0 semifinal win against the LA Galaxy. The Sounders have an impressive 13-2 goal differential in the tournament and have maintained stellar form in MLS play, with five wins and three draws in their last nine matches since the FIFA Club World Cup, including a dominant 5-2 win over Sporting Kansas City.
Pedro De La Vega has been a revelation, netting three goals from the wing, while Osaze De Rosario has matched that tally from the striker position. The defensive pairing of Yeimar Gomez and Jackson Ragen has been rock-solid, complemented by the consistent midfield duo of Obed Vargas and Cristian Roldan. Andrew Thomas is expected to start in goal, with veteran Stefan Frei on the bench.
However, coach Brian Schmetzer faces lineup adjustments with right-back Nouhou and striker Danny Muskovski both suspended. Injuries also sideline Paul Arriola, João Paulo, and long-term absentee Jordan Morris. Despite these challenges, the Sounders, with eight trophies in their history, are poised to rise to the occasion on their home turf.
Seattle Sounders Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
Thomas; A. Roldan, Gomez, Ragen, Baker-Whiting; Vargas, C. Roldan; Rothrock, Ferreira, De La Vega; De Rosario
Score Prediction: Seattle’s Home Advantage Might Tip the Scales
Inter Miami’s ambition for trophies has been clear since Lionel Messi’s arrival in 2023. Yet, the Seattle Sounders have meticulously built their legacy on the eight titles they’ve secured since joining MLS in 2009. This final pits undeniable talent against a storied club with a profound home-field advantage.
While Miami’s individual brilliance cannot be understated, Seattle’s consistent form, the lack of travel, and the fervent support of their home crowd could provide the crucial edge. Pedro De La Vega is playing like a true Designated Player, and the Sounders have looked formidable since the FIFA Club World Cup. Beating Messi and his star-studded squad in a final is a monumental task, but the Rave Green might just be the team to do it.
Score Prediction: Seattle Sounders 3–1 Inter Miami
