Sep 16, 2025; Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA; Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi (10) celebrates with midfielder Yannick Bright (42), defender Jordi Alba (18) and forward Tadeo Allende (21) after scoring against the Seattle Sounders during the first half at Chase Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

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Lionel Messi Inspires Inter Miami to Revenge Win Over Seattle Sounders

Lionel Messi delivered yet another decisive performance on Tuesday night. The Argentine legend scored once and assisted another as Inter Miami earned a 3-1 win over the Seattle Sounders in MLS. Notably, the match was billed as a heated replay of last month’s controversial Leagues Cup final.

For Miami, the victory was vital. Having dropped to eighth in the Eastern Conference following a 3-0 defeat to Charlotte, they rebounded strongly to move up to fifth with 49 points. They now sit eight points off leaders Philadelphia Union but hold three games in hand. Meanwhile. Seattle remain fourth in the West, just one point clear of LAFC.

Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba Shine Against Sounders

Lionel Messi set the tone early at Chase Stadium, sliding a perfect pass for longtime teammate Jordi Alba to slot home in the 12th minute. Messi then doubled the advantage before half-time, meeting Alba’s low cross with a precise left-footed finish in the 41st minute.

Full time from @chase_stadium 🤩🔥 pic.twitter.com/eqwwnCRmwG
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) September 17, 2025

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Miami continued their dominance after the break as Ian Fray rose highest to head in Rodrigo De Paul’s corner, making it 3-0 in the 52nd minute. Seattle’s Obed Vargas pulled one back in the 69th, but the visitors never looked capable of mounting a comeback.

The clash carried extra spice after Seattle’s 3-0 triumph in the Leagues Cup final on August 31. That match descended into chaos and also saw Luis Suarez being handed a three-game MLS ban and a suspension from next year’s Leagues Cup after spitting on a Sounders staff member. The Uruguayan served the second game of his domestic ban on Tuesday.

Also read: Atletico Madrid Suffer Double Injury Scare Ahead of Champions League Clash With Liverpool

Messi’s strike was his 20th in MLS this season, leaving him one shy of league top scorer Sam Surridge. The World Cup winner now has 20 goals in 21 matches this campaign. Lionel Messi has maintained the prolific form that saw him net 20 in 19 league games last year. The result also ended a three-match winless run across all competitions for Miami, restoring momentum ahead of a crucial run-in.

Inter Miami

Jordi Alba

Lionel Messi

MLS

Seattle Sounders

Abhinav Goel

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I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.