The final, set for Sunday at 5:00 PM PT at Lumen Field, pits the star-powered glamour of Miami against the gritty, proven pedigree of the Seattle Sounders in a matchup that promises high drama.
A History of Success and Near-Misses
Messi’s time in South Florida has been a whirlwind of accolades and agonizing near-misses. He ignited the league by immediately propelling Inter Miami to a Leagues Cup victory in 2023, winning the tournament a mere seven games into his American career. He then led the team to the U.S. Open Cup final, though they fell short against the Houston Dynamo. Most recently, Inter Miami captured the 2023 MLS Supporter's Shield, awarded to the team with the best regular-season record.
However, the last two years have not been without disappointment. The team has faced painful eliminations in the Concacaf Champions Cup, a shocking first-round exit in last year’s MLS Cup playoffs, and a group-stage defeat at this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup. Despite these setbacks, the ultimate prize of the MLS Cup remains the clear objective for a team that has aggressively recruited top talent, including Messi’s Argentine World Cup teammate Rodrigo De Paul.
The Path to Seattle
The road to the final was anything but easy for Inter Miami. After a last-gasp win in their opener, disaster struck in their second match when Messi was forced off with a muscle injury minutes after kickoff. Playing with 10 men, the team staged a heroic comeback to force penalties and eventually win. After advancing from the group stage without their star, a resilient Miami defeated Tigres to reach the semifinals. There, facing a 1-0 deficit against Orlando City, a returning Messi proved the difference-maker, scoring a 77th-minute penalty and a dramatic winner moments later.
The Seattle Sounders’ journey to the final was equally impressive, beginning with a stunning 7-0 demolition of Mexican powerhouse Cruz Azul. They followed that with a series of hard-fought victories against Liga MX opponents Santos Laguna, Club Tijuana, and Puebla. In the semifinal, Seattle delivered a commanding 2-0 away victory over the defending MLS champion LA Galaxy, proving their championship mettle.
Who is the Favorite?
While the Sounders boast a formidable home-field advantage at Lumen Field, where they have lost only once to MLS competition this season, the oddsmakers give a slight edge to Inter Miami. The Herons have lost just three of their last 20 matches across all competitions. With a roster featuring Messi and his legendary Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suárez, Miami possesses a depth of big-game experience that could prove decisive, especially if the match goes to extra time or penalties.
For a club that debuted only five years ago, every trophy is monumental. For Messi, it’s a chance to add a 47th career title to his legendary resume. Betting against the GOAT and his friends, as history shows, is often done at one’s own peril.