SAEDNEWS: Lionel Messi delivered a dazzling goal and assist as Inter Miami avenged their Leagues Cup final loss with a 3-1 victory over the Seattle Sounders.
Lionel Messi is no stranger to rewriting storylines. Just two weeks after Inter Miami suffered a humbling 3-0 defeat to the Seattle Sounders in the Leagues Cup final, the Argentine maestro inspired a resounding 3-1 comeback win in Major League Soccer (MLS). With a goal, an assist, and moments of pure magic, Messi reminded the world why every Inter Miami game feels like must-watch television.
The night’s drama began in the 12th minute, when Messi used the outside of his famed left foot to slice open the Seattle defense. His pass found Jordi Alba wide open, and the Spanish full-back slotted home with ease.
“I’m always looking for him, he’s always looking for me,” Alba explained after the match. “We’ve created a lot of goals, and we hope it’s like that until the end of our careers.”
The bond between Messi and Alba, forged over a decade at Barcelona, continues to define Inter Miami’s attacking identity.
In the 28th minute, Messi almost produced another piece of genius. A ball floated over the Seattle backline landed perfectly for him, and once again he used the outside of his left foot to finish. This time, however, the post denied him.
It was a glimpse of what was to come.
In the 41st minute, the script flipped. Alba turned provider, threading a perfectly timed ball to Messi, who finished with just enough of a touch to beat goalkeeper Stefan Frei. The goal gave Miami a commanding 2-0 advantage, and fans at DRV PNK Stadium erupted.
Messi now has six MLS goals this season, despite missing several matches due to international duty.
Any lingering fears of a Seattle comeback were erased early in the second half. Ian Fray rose highest to meet Rodrigo De Paul’s corner, nodding in Inter Miami’s third goal of the night.
“It was definitely a little extra motivation,” Fray admitted. “After losing a game like that, you don’t forget it.”
Seattle pulled one back in the 69th minute through Obed Vargas, who scored on Mexico’s Independence Day — but it was too little, too late.
One subplot that dominated pre-match discussions was the absence of Luis Suarez. The Uruguayan striker is still serving a three-match ban after spitting on a Seattle coach in the Leagues Cup final.
In his place, Inter Miami fans got their first glimpse of Mateo Silvetti, the 19-year-old midfielder signed from Messi’s boyhood club, Newell’s Old Boys. Though his minutes were limited, Silvetti’s debut added an extra layer of excitement to an already celebratory night.
Messi had one last chance to complete his brace in the 76th minute, but Frei denied him with a strong save. The Argentine smiled, applauded the goalkeeper, and waved to the crowd — the type of interaction that shows how much he’s enjoying this chapter of his career.
With the win, Inter Miami gained crucial MLS points as they chase playoff qualification. They next host DC United, while Seattle will attempt to regroup against Austin FC.
For Inter Miami, the victory was about more than the standings. It was about redemption, revenge, and reminding everyone that with Messi on the pitch, the impossible always feels within reach.
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