Seattle Sounders FC

Inter Miami player ratings vs. Seattle Sounders: Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba team up to send message after Leagues Cup loss

Inter Miami had won just once in their last four games, but Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba made sure that skid didn’t extend, combining to lead an emphatic 3-1 win over the Seattle Sounders on Tuesday night. Billed as a Leagues Cup final rematch, the Herons looked intent on sending a message after being blanked in back-to-back games for the first time in Messi's tenure.

'The rest of MLS will be supporting the Seattle Sounders' – Herculez Gomez on Lionel Messi's Inter Miami losing respect as league’s new villains

Former U.S. international Herculez Gomez offered his assessment of the hostilities between Inter Miami and Seattle Sounders ahead of their first meeting since last month's controversial Leagues Cup final. The former MLS striker referenced the postmatch altercation that resulted in suspensions for multiple Miami players.

Luis Suarez issues apology for spitting at Seattle Sounders staff member in moment of 'tension and frustration' after Inter Miami's Leagues Cup final defeat

Luis Suarez has publicly apologized after spitting at a member of the Seattle Sounders’ coaching staff during ugly scenes that followed Inter Miami’s 3-0 defeat in the Leagues Cup final. The 38-year-old striker admitted his actions were unacceptable, describing them as the product of “tension and frustration”, while speculation now grows over potential disciplinary action.