Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Ex-USMNT Star Calls Out Fake Lionel Messi Story After Leagues Cup Failure

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Marcelo Cartaxo | Last updated Sep 3, 2025 4:57 PM ET

Lionel Messi showed a touch of class after Inter Miami’s 3-0 loss to the Seattle Sounders in the Leagues Cup final. Many fans praised him for remaining on the field until the Sounders lifted the trophy, arguing he was the only Miami player to show respect. But that narrative wasn’t entirely accurate.

The final itself added plenty of fuel for both teams heading into the rest of the season—and especially into their September rematch. After the final whistle, a heated brawl broke out, though Messi kept his composure, staying clear of the scuffle and walking away immediately.

Later, as players lined up for medals, reports suggested Messi was the lone Miami representative present during Seattle’s celebration. However, USMNT legend Taylor Twellman quickly corrected the record, pointing out that several Miami players also stayed on the field to watch the Sounders’ trophy lift.

No clue where people get these things. Miami players 90% of them were on the field next to Messi just out of the picture https://t.co/ODQcQ1rMu0
— Taylor Twellman (@TaylorTwellman) September 1, 2025

This is a standard process after a final. Players from the opposing team have the option to stay on the field or leave before the celebration begins, but most managers choose to have their players watch as a sign of respect. This practice is not exclusive to soccer—it occurs in other professional sports as well.

Miami's Next Step After the Final: Recover and Move On

After the Leagues Cup final, Inter Miami players will either join their national teams or take nearly two weeks to rest before returning to the field for the final sprint of the season. With nine games left, Miami has not yet secured a playoff spot and must keep winning to avoid relying on other results.

Miami and the Sounders will meet again at Chase Stadium on September 16. Luis Suárez and other Miami players are expected to be available for the match, as the league’s policy does not extend suspensions from other tournaments into MLS play.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: