A Messi ‘first’ as Inter Miami find out 2025 Leagues Cup final opponents

The semifinals of the 2025 Leagues Cup delivered drama in both Chase Stadium and Dignity Health Sports Park. Inter Miami knocked out Orlando City behind a brilliant performance from Lionel Messi, while Seattle Sounders ended LA Galaxy’s run to book their place in the final.

At Fort Lauderdale, Javier Mascherano’s side came from behind to eliminate their fiercest rival in another fiery edition of the ‘Clásico del Sol’. It sends Miami back into the championship match of the MLS–Liga MX competition, two years after their 2023 triumph over Nashville SC.

Later in Carson, California, Seattle silenced the Galaxy with a 2–0 win. Goals from Pedro de la Vega and Osaze De Rosario gave Brian Schmetzer’s men the edge, securing their ticket to Sunday’s decider.

When is the 2025 Leagues Cup final?

The final will be played on Sunday, August 31, at 8:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. CT, 5:00 p.m. PT), with Seattle Sounders facing Inter Miami. While Miami aim to repeat their title run, Seattle are chasing their first Leagues Cup crown. The Florida side have only one trophy to their name, while the Sounders boast a far richer history with two MLS Cups, one Concacaf Champions Cup and four US Open Cups.

A new opponent for Messi

Since arriving in North America, Messi has faced plenty of MLS teams – but never Seattle. The only previous meeting between Inter Miami and the Sounders came in April 2022, when Miami won 1–0, months before Messi’s arrival.

Playing for the trophy away from home is nothing new for Miami. In 2023, they traveled to Nashville and claimed the Leagues Cup on penalties.