Soccer match-up: Seattle Sounders confront Messi and Miami in Leagues Cup finale; essential details and viewing guidance provided
The Leagues Cup final is set to be a thrilling encounter between the Sounders and Inter Miami, two of the hottest teams in North America. The match, scheduled for Sunday at Lumen Field, promises a fierce battle as both teams aim to claim the trophy.
With Nouhou suspended, Reed Baker-Whiting is expected to step up as the Sounders' left back. The defensive midfielder Cristian Roldan has been impressed with his team's running stats and feels excited for the upcoming final.
The Sounders and Inter Miami have a history of one win each in their all-time series, with Miami leading 1-0 since 2022. Inter Miami has shown a knack for scoring late goals, as evidenced by their game-winner in the 89th minute against Tigres UANL. Lionel Messi, who helped Inter Miami win the Leagues Cup in 2023, scored two goals in the final 13 minutes of their comeback semifinal against Orlando City.
The Sounders have been in fine form since exiting the Club World Cup after the group stage, boasting a record of 9-1-4. Forward Osaze De Rosario, the latest inexperienced player to be moved into the Sounders' lineup due to red-card suspensions and injuries, will be looking to make an impact.
Center back Yeimar, who has shown improved defending since returning from a hamstring injury, will be crucial in the Sounders' defensive line. His impressive stats during the Leagues Cup matches include 11 clearances and 19 aerial duels.
Inter Miami's star player, Lionel Messi, is on track to become the most decorated player in soccer's history. A win for Inter Miami would be Messi's 47th team trophy. Pedro de la Vega, a Sounders player, is looking forward to playing against Messi. He had dreams of being magical like Messi when he was signed as a young designated player.
Sounders midfielder Albert Rusnak is on the bench for the Leagues Cup final, having recovered from a hamstring injury. The Sounders have sold over 60,000 tickets for the match, which would break the Leagues Cup single-match record for attendance. The winner of the match will receive a bye to the Round of 16 in next year's CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Despite Inter Miami's star-studded lineup, which includes Messi and several other high-profile players, the Sounders' payroll of $18 million is significantly lower than Messi's guaranteed MLS salary of $20.4 million. Regardless, both teams are ready to give their all in this highly anticipated Leagues Cup final.
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