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Seattle Sounders Coach Roasts Lionel Messi & Luis Suarez Before Inter Miami Clash

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Marcelo Cartaxo | Last updated Aug 31, 2025 7:54 PM ET

Sounders manager Brian Schmetzer added fuel to the rivalry between Seattle Sounders and Inter Miami by roasting Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez ahead of the Leagues Cup final on Sunday, August 31.

The 2025 Leagues Cup, which began earlier in August, has already reached its final. Whoever wins between Sounders and Inter Miami will be crowned champions of this year’s edition. After their most recent MLS matches, both teams are fully focused on securing this title before potentially aiming for domestic glory. Ahead of the final, Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer had some pointed comments about Suarez and Messi.

Inter Miami will have their star player back after a short absence due to a minor muscle injury. Schmetzer jokingly gave reporters his reasons why neither Messi nor Suárez would dominate the game:

"Messi is arguably the best player the world has ever seen, but we’ve got Paul Rothrock. Suarez isn’t going to run by anyone because Yiemar is faster."

️ Seattle Sounder Head Coach Brian Schmetzer ahead of Leagues Cup Final vs Inter Miami.

“Messi is arguably the best player the world has ever seen, but we have Paul Rothrock…”

“Suarez is not going to run by anybody because Yeimar is faster.” pic.twitter.com/yJlRJRHrza
— Noah Riffe (@NoahRiffe) August 30, 2025

While these comparisons are playful, the reality on the field may differ—especially in the Suarez vs. Yiemar matchup. Rothrock played on the right side of midfield in Seattle’s last game against LA Galaxy, which is opposite Messi’s usual position.

Depending on the match situation, Schmetzer could reposition Rothrock to cover Messi, though Reed Baker-Whiting might take on the primary defensive role, especially since starting left-back Nouhou Tolo was sent off in the previous match and is suspended.

Mascherano Warned: Messi Is Ready

Messi has been recovering from a right-leg muscle injury since the second round of the Leagues Cup against Necaxa. Initial reports indicated he would be sidelined for at least 15 days.

He returned against the LA Galaxy a few weeks later, scoring one of the three goals in a 3-1 victory, though he wasn’t fully fit at the time. After limited appearances off the bench in recent games, Messi is now ready to start and play in what could be one of his final opportunities to win a title.

️ Javier Mascherano (Inter Miami Coach):

“Leo Messi is at 100% – sharp, ready, and hungry to make an impact!” pic.twitter.com/Vvts47qNYE
— FC Barcelona Fans Nation (@fcbfn_live) August 30, 2025