Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Seattle Sounders Coach's Cheeky Dig at Luis Suarez – 'Messi Is Different Level'

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Marcelo Cartaxo | Last updated Sep 2, 2025 12:07 PM ET

Seattle Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer praised Lionel Messi, David Beckham, and manager Javier Mascherano for their actions after the Leagues Cup final and the on-field brawl. Luis Suárez, on the other hand, was pushed to the sidelines during Schmetzer’s interview.

Inter Miami and the Seattle Sounders faced off for the Leagues Cup title on Sunday, August 31. The game ended with the home team lifting the trophy at Lumen Field, and Miami players fuming after the loss. Suárez argued with an assistant coach and spat in his face. Later, defender Maximiliano Falcón had Cody Barker in a chokehold.

The scenes went viral online, with many fans calling for harsh suspensions against Suárez and the other Inter Miami players involved. Schmetzer, meanwhile, chose not to address the situation directly, instead praising Messi, Beckham, and Mascherano for their professionalism—while sending a subtle message to Suárez.

"I want to thank Messi, Beckham, and Mascherano—they shook my hand and congratulated me after the game. True sportsmanship. They are on another level," Schmetzer said after the final.

Seattle coach Brian Schmetzer after the match:

️“Leo Messi, David Beckham and Mascherano showed great sportsmanship after the defeat.”

Q: How did you manage to limit Messi?

️He replied: ”One player alone cannot stop Messi.” pic.twitter.com/JOFrdgNyPq
— LEO MESSI FAN ZONE (@LeoMessiFanZone) September 1, 2025

MLS has yet to issue any suspensions for the players involved, but fans are pushing for action against Suárez, Falcón, and others. The league is expected to address the matter before the next MLS round on Saturday, September 13.

Miami vs. Seattle Beef Still Not Done: Rematch This Month

September will be a packed month for the teams that reached the Leagues Cup final. Inter Miami resumes play on Saturday, September 13, against Charlotte FC. Just three days later, they’ll face the Sounders again—this time at Chase Stadium in Florida.

After that, Miami will get only a four-day break before playing D.C. United on the 20th, followed by New York on the 24th, Toronto (in Canada) on the 27th, and Chicago Fire on the last day of the month.

The heavy schedule could jeopardize Inter Miami’s season, especially with Lionel Messi recently dealing with a muscle injury. Although he looked fully healthy against the Sounders in the final, the tight run of games may force the team to manage his minutes—either by resting him in certain matches or limiting his starts, depending on Miami’s position in the standings after a few September rounds.

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

More must-reads: