Seattle Sounders delivered a stunning 3–0 victory over Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami in the Leagues Cup final held at Lumen Field, Seattle, but celebrations were marred by a violent altercation after the final whistle.
Match Recap
Seattle took the lead at the 26th minute with a powerful header from Osaze De Rosario, following a precise cross from Álex Roldán. The home side nearly doubled their advantage when Jesús Ferreira struck the post just before halftime. In the second half, Roldán converted a penalty that sealed the result, and Paul Rothrock added a late third with a composed finish.
Post-Match Fallout
What should have been a triumphant finale ended in chaos as Inter Miami striker Luis Suárez put Seattle midfielder Obed Vargas in a headlock. The scuffle quickly escalated: Sergio Busquets reportedly punched Vargas, while Maxi Falcón wrestled Sounders player Cody Baker into a headlock. In footage that circulated online, Suárez appeared to spit at a Seattle staff member.
Ok, mls needs to do something about this.
Suarez spit on a Seattle coaching staff, and went up to a Seattle staff and put him in a headlock. And Maimi escalated the fight.
MLS wake up. pic.twitter.com/mzmDf274Mo
— Goal_yay (@Goal_yay) September 1, 2025
Seattle coach Brian Schmetzer expressed regret that the melee overshadowed a stellar team performance, while Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano declined to comment on the incident, noting he had not witnessed what happened.
Tournament Stakes
Seattle’s victory earns them their first Leagues Cup title and a direct entry into the Concacaf Champions Cup round of 16. Inter Miami also secured a spot in the prestigious tournament despite their loss.
