2025 Leagues One Cup Championship Match Preview: Seattle Sounders FC vs. Inter Miami FC

Weather Update

Conditions: Outdoor venue with partial roof; no rain expected.

Forecast at Kick‑Off: Clear skies, ~74°F (23°C), light NW breeze ~5 mph, humidity ~60%.

Impact: Ideal playing conditions; no weather‑related disruptions anticipated.

Injury / Suspension Report

Seattle Sounders:

Nouhou Tolo (LB) – SUSPENDED (red card in semifinal vs. LA Galaxy)

Paul Arriola (W) – OUT (knee)

João Paulo (M) – OUT (knee)

Jordan Morris (F) – OUT (shoulder)

Inter Miami:

Allen Obando (F) – Doubtful (hamstring)

No suspensions; Head Coach Javier Mascherano returns to sideline after serving ban in semifinal.

Recent Form

Seattle Sounders – Last 5 (all comps): W‑W‑W‑D‑L

Semifinal: 2‑0 vs. LA Galaxy (Pedro de la Vega 7’, Osaze De Rosario 57’)

Quarterfinal: 0‑0 vs. Puebla (4‑3 pens)

Only 2 goals conceded in entire Leagues Cup run; unbeaten at home in last 9 competitive matches.

Inter Miami – Last 5 (all comps): W‑W‑D‑W‑L

Semifinal: 3‑1 vs. Orlando City (Messi 2, Segovia 90+3’)

Quarterfinal: 2‑1 vs. Tigres UANL (Suárez 2 pens)

Scored 9 goals in second halves during tournament; 6 beyond the 75th minute.

Series History

All‑Time Meetings: Inter Miami leads 1‑0 (1‑0 win in only prior meeting).

Leagues Cup: First‑ever meeting in this competition.

Key Player Matchups

Pedro de la Vega (SEA) vs. Jordi Alba (MIA)

De la Vega: Breakout star of tournament; pace and creativity from left wing.

Alba: Veteran savvy, but will be tested defensively against speed.

Osaze De Rosario (SEA) vs. Maxi Falcón (MIA)

De Rosario: Physical No. 9, excels in hold‑up play and aerial duels.

Falcón: Key to Miami’s improved defensive record; must win box battles.

Lionel Messi (MIA) vs. Yeimar Gómez Andrade (SEA)

Messi: 3 goals in last 2 matches; thrives in big finals.

Yeimar: Seattle’s defensive anchor; tasked with limiting Messi’s space between lines.

Cristian Roldan (SEA) vs. Sergio Busquets (MIA)

Roldan: Tempo‑setter, disrupts counters, initiates attacks.

Busquets: Orchestrates Miami’s build‑up; battle of midfield brains.

Betting Trends

Seattle Sounders:

4‑0‑1 in Leagues Cup 2025; 4 clean sheets in 5 matches.

Under 2.5 goals in 4 of last 5 matches.

Inter Miami:

4‑0‑1 in Leagues Cup 2025; scored 2+ goals in 4 of 5 matches.

BTTS (Both Teams to Score) has hit in 3 of last 4 matches.

Head‑to‑Head:

Only prior meeting ended 1‑0 (Under 2.5).

Suggested Wagering Model

Primary Lean: Under 2.5 Goals (+100)

Seattle’s defensive solidity + Miami’s tendency to start slow in finals could keep scoring modest early.

Secondary Lean: Seattle Draw No Bet (‑110)

Home‑field advantage at Lumen Field (65,000+ expected) + Miami’s mixed away form vs. Western Conference sides.

Prop Angle: Messi Anytime Goal (+150)

Even against elite defenses, Messi’s big‑game record is unmatched; set‑piece threat adds value.

Bottom Line: Seattle’s depth and defensive discipline meet Miami’s star power and late‑game heroics. Expect a tense, tactical first half, with the match potentially decided by a single moment of brilliance — and both sides knowing a Concacaf Champions Cup berth is already secured, but history is still at stake.