The 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) season has seen no shortage of excitement, but few matches have sparked the imagination of fans quite like the Seattle Sounders against Inter Miami CF clashes. These two ambitious and talent-filled clubs have played each other twice in showcase games this season – the Leagues Cup final and a regular-season MLS rematch – in a rivalry that will define American soccer for years to come.
Leagues Cup Final: Seattle Sounders Claim Glory
These two sides collided in a major way for the first time this season on August 31, 2025, at Lumen Field in Seattle. The atmosphere was perfect for a high-stakes Leagues Cup final, and fans came out in record numbers to see it. The evening’s attendance was officially 69,314 fans, a testament to how popular MLS has grown and how much buzz there was for this game.
The Seattle Sounders were in fine form and didn’t hesitate to take control. Osaze De Rosario opened the scoring in the 18th minute, using his speed and precision to beat the Inter Miami defense. The arena erupted as Sounders fans celebrated the first of three crucial goals. Alex Roldán followed with a great shot in the 37th minute, highlighting his technical ability and composure under pressure. Finally, Paul Rothrock sealed the 3–0 victory with a late first-half goal to have Seattle in complete control.
The victory was one for the record books for the Sounders as their very first Leagues Cup title. Not only did the win solidify their status as MLS elites, but it also sent a strong message to their competitors across the league. The celebrations were a little marred by drama after the game, however. A brawl broke out among players and staff, some of the worst of which included Luis Suárez spitting on a Sounders staff member, leading to suspensions. The controversial incident only served to further the intensity of the growing rivalry between Seattle and Miami.
MLS Regular-Season Rematch: Inter Miami Seeks Redemption
Just a few weeks later, on September 16, 2025, the two teams met again, this time at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. Inter Miami CF, seeking to avenge their Leagues Cup final defeat, staged a performance that showcased their attacking prowess and tactical solidity.
The match began with Jordi Alba scoring in the 12th minute after being impeccably set up by Lionel Messi. This early strike energized the home supporters and set the tone for the rest of the game. Superstar striker Messi scored the second before halftime, his 20th of the MLS campaign, with his eyes and ability to penetrate the Sounders’ defense on full display, highlighting why he remains one of the league’s most commanding players.
Miami weren’t finished. Ian Fray added a third goal in the 52nd minute from a corner taken by Rodrigo De Paul, a comfortable 3–0 for Inter Miami. Seattle managed to pull one back through Obed Vargas in the 69th minute, but the deficit was too large to catch up. Inter Miami won convincingly 3–1, showing that they could recover from a big loss and establishing themselves as a team to be taken seriously in the Eastern Conference.
The game was attended by 14,000 fans, and both teams were active in attack, with each taking 14 shots, while Miami had the better of shots on goal, 8–6. The contest was an example of the quality football MLS has to offer and the depth of talent in both squads.
Tactical Analysis
From a tactical standpoint, both encounters highlighted contrasting styles. Seattle Sounders, under their coach’s guidance, prefer a high-pressing, fast-paced style, focusing on quick transitions and exploiting flanks. In the Leagues Cup final, this approach worked perfectly, overwhelming Miami’s defense and capitalizing on set-piece opportunities.
By contrast, Inter Miami CF is founded upon possession soccer and creative attacking flair. The fact that Messi and Alba are present allows for dazzling interplay on the wings as they seek to rip apart even the most well-organized defenses. This plan worked at the MLS regular-season rematch, where intelligent movement and precise passing enabled Miami to dominate the match despite the earlier loss in Seattle.
Key Players to Watch
Seattle Sounders
Osaze De Rosario: With speed and a finisher’s touch, De Rosario has been a sparkplug for Seattle’s offense this season.
Alex Roldán
A playmaking midfielder who also knows how to score, Roldán has become a player who steps up in big games.
Obed Vargas
A young talent with excellent dribbling skills and creativity, Vargas scored Seattle’s lone goal in the recent rematch.
Inter Miami CF
Lionel Messi: The Argentine legend continues to shine in MLS, combining goals, assists, and vision to dictate games.
Jordi Alba
Alba’s overlapping runs and defensive contributions make him a crucial asset on the left flank.
Ian Fray
Emerging as a reliable scorer, Fray’s set-piece awareness adds another dimension to Miami’s attack.
Implications for MLS Standings
These two games carry significant implications for the MLS season. Seattle Sounders, at 12–8–9, sit in fourth position in the Western Conference with 45 points, whereas Inter Miami CF, after the win, stands at 14–6–7 and 49 points, good enough to see them tied for fifth in the Eastern Conference. Not only do these results carry playoff standing implications, but they also carry psychological implications for when the two sides meet again.
Fan Reaction and Rivalry Intensity
Fans have reacted passionately to these games, with social media filled with the intensity, goals, and controversial moments. The rivalry is still in its early stages but has already shown that it might be one of MLS’s most compelling storylines. With brawls and great goals, both teams have given fans a lot to talk about, which will only serve to enhance the passion and anticipation when they meet again.
Looking Ahead
Seattle and Miami both have big games ahead as the MLS season rolls on. Seattle will look to recover and gain points to stay in playoff contention, while Inter Miami hopes to use this as a springboard as they battle for additional standings in the Eastern Conference. With both teams having demonstrated tactical adaptability, world-class talent, and resilience, subsequent encounters can anticipate high-energy football and drama.
The rivalry between Seattle Sounders and Inter Miami CF transcends wins and losses; it reflects MLS’s changing competitive landscape. As American soccer continues to attract international stars and develop homegrown talent, these high-profile clashes serve as a barometer of the league’s growth and quality.