Inter Miami has reached the 2025 Leagues Cup final after defeating Orlando City SC. This marks Lionel Messi’s second final in the tournament since joining the team in 2023, and he is keen to win the title again. However, they will be up against a challenging opponent in the Seattle Sounders. There is anticipation about whether Messi will be included in the starting lineup today.
In the final press conference before the match, head coach Javier Mascherano discussed Messi’s condition. “Messi is fine. He made a significant impact in the game against Orlando, even after being sidelined for a few days. I’m pleased with him and the outcome of the game,” he stated, according to journalist Jose Armando Rodriguez.
Given this, Lionel Messi is likely to start for Inter Miami against the Seattle Sounders in the final. The team aims to secure their second tournament victory, positioning them as the team with the most titles in the competition’s history. Like in the previous game, the Argentine star might play the full match.
Despite missing a large part of the tournament, Messi has significantly contributed to Inter Miami with two goals and two assists. Additionally, Rodrigo De Paul emphasized Messi’s competitive spirit during the last press conference. “We know Messi’s mentality about competing and winning, not just for himself but for all the players who have worked hard. It’s a dream come true for everyone and a source of strength and motivation.”
Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF reacts during the Leagues Cup Semifinal against Orlando City in 2025.
Inter Miami’s Javier Mascherano reflects on the challenge against Seattle Sounders
Inter Miami is currently on a strong run, having gone four games without a loss. The upcoming match against the Seattle Sounders offers a significant challenge, as these teams have only met once before, resulting in a narrow win for Miami. Ahead of the 2025 Leagues Cup final, Mascherano shared his thoughts on their formidable opponent.
“Seattle is an exceptional team led by a very experienced coach, making them a consistent contender. They have a lot more history than us, and they are performing well,” Mascherano said during the press conference.
While the Seattle Sounders may not be the strongest team in MLS, they feature standout players like Jesus Ferreira, Pedro De La Vega, and Osaze De Rosario. These athletes pose a significant threat to Miami, making the match very competitive as the 2025 Leagues Cup champion is determined.