Lionel Messi Inter Miami vs Seattle Sounders 2025: Magic Messi steals the show happily

The Lionel Messi Inter Miami vs Seattle Sounders 2025 match on September 16, 2025, delivered a thrilling revenge story, as Inter Miami edged out Seattle 3-1 at Lumen Field, Seattle, exacting payback for their 3-0 Leagues Cup final defeat on August 31, 2025. Lionel Messi, the Argentine maestro, orchestrated the comeback with a goal and an assist, including a sublime outside-of-the-foot pass to Jordi Alba for the opener.

Lionel Messi Inter Miami vs Seattle Sounders 2025: Revenge Win Powers Herons to Victory

The Lionel Messi Inter Miami vs Seattle Sounders 2025 clash was charged with emotion, as Inter Miami sought to avenge their Leagues Cup final humiliation. Seattle, who dominated with goals from Jordan Morris, Obed Vargas, and Leo Chu in August, started confidently, generating 0.9 expected goals (xG) in the first 15 minutes. However, Messi struck in the 12th minute, receiving a long ball from Sergio Busquets, spinning past Yeimar Gómez Andrade, and delivering an exquisite outside-of-the-foot pass to Alba, who tapped in from close range. The goal silenced Lumen Field’s 28,000 fans, with one tweeting, “Messi’s vision is unreal—revenge is sweet!”

Messi nearly doubled the lead in the 28th minute, attempting another outside-of-the-foot finish from a through ball by Busquets, but his shot caromed off the post. The Lionel Messi Inter Miami vs Seattle Sounders 2025 momentum shifted in the 41st minute, as Alba returned the favor, darting into space and assisting Messi, who got a touch on the ball to beat goalkeeper Stefan Frei for a 2-0 lead. Inter Miami’s first-half xG of 1.8 to Seattle’s 0.7 showcased their control, with Messi completing 92% of his 48 passes.

Second-Half Drama and Seattle’s Response

The Lionel Messi Inter Miami vs Seattle Sounders 2025 second half brought tension, as Seattle pushed for a comeback. Vargas pulled one back in the 69th minute, capitalizing on a loose ball after a corner to score on Mexico’s Independence Day, making it 2-1. The goal, his fourth in 2025, sparked Seattle’s fans, but Inter Miami’s defense held firm. In the 52nd minute, Ian Fray headed home Rodrigo De Paul’s corner to extend the lead to 3-1, with Fray’s 7/10 rating reflecting his aerial prowess.

Messi had a chance for a brace in the 76th minute but was denied by Frei’s fingertip save on his low drive. The Lionel Messi Inter Miami vs Seattle Sounders 2025 victory, Inter Miami’s second straight after a 1-0 win over Toronto FC on September 13, lifted them to sixth in the Eastern Conference with 48 points. Seattle, dropping to eighth with 45 points, missed a chance to build on their Leagues Cup triumph. Messi’s 1.2 xG and three key passes earned him man of the match honors, with fans posting, “Messi’s revenge was poetic!”

Messi’s Form and Inter Miami’s Season

The Lionel Messi Inter Miami vs Seattle Sounders 2025 performance highlighted Messi’s 2025 resurgence. With 27 goals and 13 assists in 29 MLS matches, including 22 in the Leagues Cup, Messi leads the league in goal involvements. His outside-of-the-foot assist to Alba evoked Barcelona memories, where the duo combined for 20 goals from 2011-16. Messi’s return from a hamstring injury, sustained against LA Galaxy on August 16, 2025, has been flawless, with two goals and two assists in three games. The Lionel Messi Inter Miami vs Seattle Sounders 2025 win keeps Inter Miami in the playoff hunt, three points behind leaders Columbus Crew.

Inter Miami’s attack, featuring Messi, Luis Suárez, and Jordi Alba, generated 2.4 xG, but defensive lapses—conceding from a set piece—remain a concern. Suárez’s missed chance in the 55th minute and Falcón’s error for Vargas’ goal highlight areas for improvement. The Lionel Messi Inter Miami vs Seattle Sounders 2025 victory, their fourth in five matches, positions them for a Leagues Cup final rematch against Seattle on September 7, 2025, at Chase Stadium.

The Leagues Cup Final Rematch

The Lionel Messi Inter Miami vs Seattle Sounders 2025 match sets up a highly anticipated Leagues Cup final on September 7, 2025. Seattle’s 3-0 final win, powered by Morris’ brace, stung Inter Miami, but Messi’s revenge has leveled the score. Seattle’s depth, with Jordan Morris (15 goals) and Obed Vargas (8), makes them dangerous, but Inter Miami’s xG advantage (1.8 vs. 1.2 in the semi-final) favors the Herons. The Lionel Messi Inter Miami vs Seattle Sounders 2025 final could be Messi’s last Leagues Cup, with his contract until 2026 ensuring his participation.

Messi’s Legacy and Future

The Lionel Messi Inter Miami vs Seattle Sounders 2025 victory adds to Messi’s storied career, with 44 major trophies and 880 goals. His 2025 form—27 MLS goals and 13 assists—positions him for a ninth Ballon d’Or, trailing only Ronaldo’s 940 goals. Messi’s hinted retirement from international football after the 2026 World Cup, as stated post-Venezuela qualifier on September 4, 2025, adds urgency to his club success. The Lionel Messi Inter Miami vs Seattle Sounders 2025 final could be his Leagues Cup swan song, with fans chanting, “Messi’s still the king!”

Conclusion: Messi’s Revenge Triumph

The Lionel Messi Inter Miami vs Seattle Sounders 2025 match was a tale of redemption, as Messi’s goal and assist powered Inter Miami to a 3-1 win, avenging their Leagues Cup final loss. With the final rematch looming, Messi’s brilliance keeps Inter Miami in contention for silverware. Can he lead them to victory? Share your thoughts on the Lionel Messi Inter Miami vs Seattle Sounders 2025 below!

3️⃣ goals = 3️⃣ points ✅ @masbymessi

Read our match recap here: https://t.co/k8YmR8vDrL pic.twitter.com/ko8VIhckk2

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) September 17, 2025

FAQs: Lionel Messi Inter Miami vs Seattle Sounders 2025

What was the score in Inter Miami vs Seattle Sounders?
Inter Miami won 3-1 on September 16, 2025, at Lumen Field.
How did Messi contribute to the win?
Messi scored once (41st minute) and assisted Jordi Alba’s opener (12th minute).
Who scored Seattle’s goal?
Obed Vargas scored in the 69th minute for Seattle.
Why was the match significant?
It was revenge for Inter Miami’s 3-0 Leagues Cup final loss to Seattle on August 31, 2025.
When is the Leagues Cup final rematch?
Inter Miami face Seattle Sounders on September 7, 2025, at Chase Stadium.