Prior to the final on 31/8, the Seattle Sounders launched a promotional campaign allowing fans to exchange Lionel Messi jerseys for Paul Rothrock's number 14 shirt. Rothrock is a homegrown player and a key figure for the Sounders.
The Sounders aimed to reduce the sea of Inter Miami pink in the stands and ignite local pride.
The campaign resonated with fans, as over 100 traded Messi's number 10 jersey for Seattle's signature Rave Green.
"Messi is one of the greatest players of all time, but at Lumen Field, we support Rave Green," said Hugh Weber, Seattle Sounders President of Business Operations. He emphasized the club's intention to make their home stadium a symbol of pride and unity when facing the world's top player.
The final also set a new attendance record for Lumen Field, with over 50,600 fans present, the highest in the stadium's history.
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Seattle Sounders lift the 2025 Leagues Cup trophy. Photo: The Seattle Times |
Seattle Sounders lift the 2025 Leagues Cup trophy. Photo: The Seattle Times
Energized by the home crowd, the Sounders dominated Inter Miami, winning 3-0 with goals from Osaze De Rosario, Alex Roldan, and Rothrock himself. This victory marks the first major international title for the Seattle Sounders, a club founded in 2007 that joined Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2009.
"This club is a collection of good people who work hard, trust each other, and play for each other," Rothrock said after the match. "I'm very proud of how we approached the game, and it paid off. This was a special match for Seattle."
Head coach Brian Schmetzer echoed Rothrock's sentiments, praising the team's collective spirit. "This success is thanks to the entire organization, from management and coaching staff to the players and fans. Everyone deserves this title," he stated. "Inter Miami has incredibly talented players who put immense pressure on us. But our intelligence, resilience, and composure secured the win."
Hong Duy (Marca)
