The Seattle Sounders were crowned champions of the Leagues Cup after beating Inter Miami 3-0 in the final played this Sunday at Lumen Field. With a packed stadium, where 69,314 fans made the pressure felt, the Washington team lifted this trophy for the first time and left Lionel Messi without the possibility of adding another title in the United States.

The match started at an intense pace and the home side soon took the lead. Osaze De Rosario opened the scoring with a header at the far post that surprised the visiting defense. The goal forced Inter to push forward and in that stretch they had two clear chances to equalize the score, but they failed to convert.

Seattle did not forgive and Miami was left without a reaction.

The second half confirmed the Sounders' superiority. With Inter depending on the inspiration of their stars, the Seattle team remained calm and took advantage of the spaces. Alex Roldan extended the lead from the penalty spot, beating goalkeeper Oscar Ustari and effectively sealing the match. With just minutes remaining, Paul Rothrock added the third, sending the stands into raptures. For Messi and his teammates—Luis Suarez, Rodrigo De Paul, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba—it was a tough blow to swallow, as they failed to show the same solidity that had taken them to the final. With this victory, the Sounders became the first club to win every title in North America, adding the Leagues Cup to their tally. For Inter Miami, the defeat meant they couldn't repeat their 2023 feat, when they were crowned champions.