Inter Miami secured a vital 3-1 victory over the Seattle Sounders at Chase Stadium on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, emphatically avenging their recent Leagues Cup final defeat. Lionel Messi was at the heart of the performance, contributing a goal and an assist, as the Herons delivered a commanding display to earn three crucial points in MLS current affairs. The win not only boosted Miami’s standings but also provided significant momentum after a period of mixed results.
A Night of Redemption and Dominance
Just over two weeks after suffering a 3-0 loss to the Sounders in the Leagues Cup title match, Inter Miami CF left no doubt about their intentions on their home turf. From the outset, the Herons played with a determined edge, keen to set the record straight. The attacking spark that had been missing in recent games was reignited, largely thanks to the talismanic presence of Lionel Messi.
The scoring opened in the 12th minute when a well-executed counter-attack saw Yannick Bright dispossess Cristian Roldan in the attacking half. Messi quickly gathered the ball, drove towards the edge of the box, and delivered a perfectly weighted pass to Jordi Alba. The Spanish full-back, making a surging run down the left flank, took a confident touch before slotting the ball past Seattle goalkeeper Stefan Frei for his third goal of the regular season. The assist marked Messi’s 11th of the campaign, showcasing the potent partnership he shares with Alba.
Inter Miami continued to press their advantage. In the 16th minute, Ian Fray, a product of the club’s academy, forced a save from Frei after receiving a pass from Messi. Messi himself came close to doubling the lead in the 28th minute, his outside-of-the-foot shot from inside the box, set up by a sublime pass from Sergio Busquets, striking the left post.
Messi Strikes and Inter Miami Pulls Away
The elusive second goal arrived just before halftime, in the 41st minute. Once again, Yannick Bright was instrumental in winning possession, initiating a swift transition that found Alba on the left wing. Alba then delivered a precise low cross into the penalty area, where Messi executed a sliding finish to guide the ball into the net. This strike was Messi’s 20th goal in 21 regular season appearances for Inter Miami, a remarkable feat that also saw him become the fifth player in MLS history to achieve back-to-back 20-goal seasons.
Early in the second half, Inter Miami extended their lead further. In the 52nd minute, Rodrigo De Paul delivered a corner kick that found Ian Fray, who powerfully headed home for his first goal of the season, making it 3-0.
Seattle Sounders managed to pull a goal back in the 69th minute through Obed Vargas, who finished a cutback from Jordan Morris. However, it proved to be a mere consolation as Inter Miami maintained control of the match for the remainder of the second half.
Significance of the Victory and Looking Ahead
For Inter Miami, this victory was more than just three points; it was a crucial statement of intent and a much-needed morale boost. After the disappointment of the Leagues Cup final loss and a subsequent defeat to Charlotte FC, Head Coach Javier Mascherano emphasized the importance of regaining positive momentum. “It’s an important and much-needed victory,” Mascherano stated. “What matters most is regaining good feelings and getting back to winning ways against a strong opponent that prevented us from winning a competition a few weeks ago”.
The win elevated Inter Miami to fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings with 49 points, with games in hand on their rivals, keeping their playoff aspirations firmly on track. Despite the positive result, Mascherano acknowledged the squad’s depth challenges, noting the impact of suspensions and injuries, including the continued absence of Luis Suárez, who was serving the second game of a three-match MLS ban.
New signing Mateo Silvetti made his debut for Inter Miami in the latter stages of the match, coming on as a substitute. His integration into the squad adds further attacking options as the team navigates a demanding schedule, with eight MLS games remaining in just 32 days.
The match also highlighted the enduring connection between Messi and Alba, a partnership forged during their time at FC Barcelona. Their interplay, leading to both goals and assists, continues to be a defining feature of Inter Miami’s attack and a key factor in their pursuit of success.
As the MLS season enters its critical final stretch, Inter Miami will look to build on this performance. The victory over Seattle not only secured revenge but also underscored their potential when key players are firing and the team executes with discipline and determination. The quest for a Supporters’ Shield title, a trophy they narrowly missed in 2024, remains a primary objective, with Mascherano declaring the remaining seven games as “seven finals”. This latest news signals a determined push from the Herons as they aim to finish the regular season strongly.
