Inter Miami faced a tough defeat against the Seattle Sounders in the 2025 Leagues Cup final, losing 3-0 in a match that ended surprisingly. This result not only denied Miami another opportunity for a trophy but also heightened emotions on both sides. After the game, the Sounders’ coach had comments regarding Lionel Messi.
Brian Schmetzer, the Sounders’ coach, expressed respect for Miami despite the scoreline. He shared a moment with Messi on the field afterward. “The story of this match is not what happened afterward; the story is the Sounders,” Schmetzer stated. “I had a moment with Messi on the pitch and told him: ‘I’m sorry.’”
Schmetzer added that key figures from Miami offered their congratulations. “Mascherano is a great coach, and before the match he congratulated me on the team,” he recalled. “Beckham waited for us in the locker room to congratulate us—that’s class. Jose Mas, the president, told me we have a good team. These are people at the highest level of this sport. That’s the real story.”
Despite the tension, the calm behavior of both Messi and Schmetzer helped ease the situation. Messi spoke with Obed Vargas to reduce the conflict, while Schmetzer worked to separate those involved. In the tense atmosphere, Colombian defender Yeimar Gomez Andrade asked Messi for his jersey—something Messi accepted graciously.
Brian Schmetzer, head coach of Seattle Sounders FC.
What happened?
Tensions had built since the first half, with disagreements between Rodrigo De Paul and Messi against Seattle’s Pepo De La Vega. After the final whistle, things escalated. Luis Suarez, Miami’s striker, went directly after Vargas, leading to a confrontation that turned into a brawl.
Maxi Roldan, Marcelo Weigandt, and even a member of Schmetzer’s coaching staff got involved, with the latter arguing with Suarez. Cameras captured Suarez appearing to spit at the Sounders’ assistant, while Miami’s Sergio Busquets threw a punch at Vargas that knocked him down. The fight involved shoving, punches, and several players ended up on the ground before order was restored.
What’s next for Inter Miami?
The defeat left Miami without a chance to win another trophy during Messi’s time, following their victories in the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 Supporters’ Shield. The team is currently sixth in the MLS Eastern Conference with 46 points and has four games in hand over the leaders, Philadelphia Union. After the upcoming FIFA international window, they will resume league play on Saturday, September 13, against Charlotte FC.