Inter Miami avenged their Leagues Cup final defeat by defeating the Seattle Sounders 3-1, with goals from Alba, Messi, and Fray. Messi continues his impressive home form, contributing significantly to Miami’s attack. This win brings Miami closer to the top of the Eastern Conference.
Inter Miami secured a resounding 3-1 victory over the Seattle Sounders at Chase Stadium, marking a sweet revenge for their recent Leagues Cup final defeat. The match saw stellar performances from Jordi Alba, Lionel Messi, and Ian Fray, whose goals propelled Miami closer to the Eastern Conference summit. They now trail the Philadelphia Union by eight points, with three crucial games in hand.
The home side wasted no time in asserting their dominance, with Alba opening the scoring after just 12 minutes. A brilliant passage of play saw Yannick Bright and Messi dispossess Cristian Roldan in the attacking half. Messi then drove towards the edge of the penalty area before delivering a perfectly weighted pass to Alba, who calmly slotted the ball home.
Messi almost doubled the lead on the half-hour mark, his shot striking the woodwork. However, he wouldn't be denied for long, finding the net just four minutes before halftime. Bright was once again instrumental, winning back possession and feeding Alba down the left flank. Alba then delivered a pinpoint low cross into the path of Messi, who slid in to score his goal.
Seattle goalkeeper Stefan Frei managed to keep Messi from adding a second goal shortly after, producing a fine save to push the Argentinian's shot around the post. However, Frei was helpless to prevent Fray from extending Miami's lead six minutes into the second half, the defender powerfully heading home from Rodrigo De Paul’s corner kick.
Seattle did manage to pull a goal back in the 69th minute, with Obed Vargas firing a first-time shot past Oscar Ustari after a cutback from Jordan Morris. However, it proved to be nothing more than a consolation goal for the visitors, who had earlier missed a golden opportunity through Osaze De Rosario.
Tonight’s #IconOfTheMatch is for our captain @RoyalCaribbean pic.twitter.com/4PlG2zE7kt
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) September 17, 2025
Data Debrief: Messi's Home Dominance
While Miami converted three of their eight shots on target, Frei's five saves kept the scoreline respectable. Miami's attacking prowess was evident in their expected goals (xG) tally of 2.53, compared to Seattle's 1.22 from 14 attempts.
Messi's exceptional form at Chase Stadium continues to impress. He has now been directly involved in 13 goals (eight goals and five assists) in his last five MLS home games, including a 0-0 draw against FC Cincinnati. His presence has transformed Inter Miami into a formidable attacking force.
Despite the loss, Seattle's overall form remains strong. This was only their second defeat in 17 matches since returning from the Club World Cup, a run that includes 10 wins and five draws. However, it was their first loss in 10 games against Eastern Conference opposition, highlighting Miami's growing strength.
Inter Miami's victory was built on a solid defensive foundation and clinical finishing, with Messi and Alba once again proving to be a deadly combination. The win will undoubtedly boost their confidence as they chase down the Philadelphia Union at the top of the Eastern Conference. The addition of players like Bright and De Paul has also added depth and quality to the squad, making them a serious contender for the MLS title. The Sounders, despite the loss, will look to bounce back quickly and maintain their strong form as they push for a playoff spot.
The match also highlighted the growing popularity of MLS, with Chase Stadium packed with fans eager to witness the magic of Messi and his teammates. The league is attracting top talent from around the world, and the quality of play is improving year on year. The rivalry between Inter Miami and the Seattle Sounders is sure to intensify in the coming years, adding another exciting chapter to the MLS story.