Inter Miami CF delivered a statement victory on Tuesday night, toppling the Seattle Sounders 3-1 at Chase Stadium in a heated rematch that saw Lionel Messi notch his 20th goal of the season and exact revenge for Miami’s recent Leagues Cup heartbreak.
A Night of Redemption in South Florida
Just over two weeks ago, the Sounders stunned Miami with a dominant 3-0 win in the Leagues Cup final—a result that left the Herons reeling and tempers flaring in a post-match melee. On Tuesday, the tables turned dramatically. Messi, orchestrating the attack with trademark brilliance, scored once and assisted another, powering Miami to a cathartic victory that snapped their three-game winless streak across all competitions.
Messi Shines, Miami Rises
Lionel Messi was the undisputed star, scoring his 20th goal of the MLS season and providing a sublime assist to Jordi Alba, who continues to thrive alongside his former Barcelona teammate. The chemistry between the two was on full display, with Alba’s pinpoint cross setting up Messi’s clinical finish—a moment that electrified the home crowd and set the tone for the night.
Head coach Javier Mascherano emphasized the psychological importance of the win:
“It was important to get good feelings back and get back to winning against a great opponent that prevented us from winning a competition a few weeks ago. I think we understood the best way possible, and we played the game we needed to play.”Match Highlights and Turning Points
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Early Pressure: Seattle came out aggressively, pressing high and forcing Miami to play at a frantic pace. The Sounders looked to replicate their Leagues Cup formula, but Miami’s midfield, led by Messi and Alba, quickly seized control.
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First-Half Drama: Miami struck first, with Messi’s goal igniting the stadium. The Sounders responded with intensity, but Miami’s defense held firm, weathering several dangerous attacks.
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Second-Half Surge: Miami extended their lead with a well-worked team goal, capped by a clinical finish from their forward line. Seattle managed to pull one back, but Messi’s assist to Alba sealed the result, putting the game out of reach.
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Physical Edge: The match was not without its edge—echoes of the previous scuffle lingered, and both teams played with visible urgency and grit.
What This Means for the Playoff Race
The victory propels Inter Miami to fifth place in the Eastern Conference with 49 points, and crucially, they hold games in hand over all four teams above them. For a squad that had stumbled in recent weeks—including a 3-0 loss to Charlotte FC over the weekend—this was a much-needed “get-right” result that could spark a late-season surge.
Seattle, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly. The Sounders remain a formidable force in the West, but the loss exposes vulnerabilities that rivals will look to exploit as the playoff race intensifies.
Messi’s Impact: Still Unmatched
At 38,
Lionel Messi continues to defy expectations, leading the league in both goals and assists. His influence on and off the pitch has transformed Miami from a struggling expansion side into a genuine contender. With Jordi Alba and a rejuvenated supporting cast, Miami’s attack looks more dangerous than ever.
Looking Ahead: Rivalries and Redemption
This budding rivalry between Miami and Seattle has quickly become one of MLS’s most compelling storylines. The recent Leagues Cup final and Tuesday’s fiery rematch have set the stage for future clashes, with both teams eyeing silverware and playoff glory.
For Miami, the message is clear: with Messi in form and the squad regaining confidence, anything is possible. For Seattle, the defeat is a wake-up call—but with their pedigree, expect a fierce response in the weeks ahead.
Key Takeaways
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Inter Miami avenges Leagues Cup loss with a 3-1 win over Seattle Sounders-
Lionel Messi scores his 20th goal of the season and adds an assist-
Miami climbs to fifth in the East, reigniting their playoff push-
Rivalry intensifies after recent on-field drama and high-stakes encountersAs the MLS season heads into its final stretch, all eyes will be on these two heavyweights—and on Messi, whose magic shows no sign of fading.
Sources
1. Leagues Cup revenge: Inter Miami get payback on Seattle Sounders
2. Almeida strike sees Valencia edge past Granada and closer to ...
3. HIGHLIGHTS: Inter Miami CF vs. Seattle Sounders FC - YouTube
4. WATCH: Inter Miami settle score against Seattle Sounders
5. Inter Miami CF vs. Seattle Sounders FC | September 16, 2025
