the 2025 edition of the Leagues Cup It has come to an end.Recall that this tournament is a relatively new championship, created in 2019, with the aim of facing Major League Soccer and Liga MX teams, to continue strengthening the North American region.
In its first two editions (2019 and 2021 –2020 there was no due to the Covid-19– Pandemic) the tournament was not considered official until the 2023 edition where the finalists and the winner of third place automatically qualified to the Concacaf Champions Cup.
in the first editions the participants where defined by invitation, but it was from 2023 that the new format began to govern in which all the MLS teams and all the MX League teams face for a month in search of the trophy and the classification to the Concacaf Champions Cup.
For the 2025 edition,the Leagues Cup It only included 18 of the 30 MLS teams (those who qualified for the playoffs of the MLS Cup In most cases),as well as all teams in the MX League,for a total of 36 participants.
The MLS and Liga MX teams separated into two groups of 18 and played three games against teams from the othre league. The four best of each group advanced to the elimination phase,guaranteeing that the quarterfinals were between the MLS and the MX League as in the group stage.
As it has always been, all games are held in Canada and the United States, but unlike the last two years, the competition was also played simultaneously during the MLS and the MX League seasons (that is, the activity of the leagues for the development of this tournament was not stopped).
Once knowing the context, then we leave you with all the champions of this historic contest between the Leagues of Mexico and North America.
History of LEAGUES CUP Winners
1. 2019: Blue Cruz FC (MX alloy)
The first edition of the CUP Leagues in 2019 was conquered by the celestial machine after defeating UANL tigers In the Sam Boyd stadium 2-1 with goals from Yoshimar Yotún y Rodriguezfor the cats discounted Igor Lichnovsky.
2. 2021: Club League (Liga MX)
León proclaimed champion of the second edition of the CUP Leagues in 2021, his first international title against Seattle Sounders 3-2 from Las Vegas.
3. 2023: Inter Miami CF (MLS)
September 2, 2025
The arrival of Lionel Messi to Inter Miami wasn’t just a signing; it was a seismic shift in the landscape of American soccer. His debut in the Leagues Cup 2023 marked the beginning of a new chapter, one that culminated in Inter Miami’s first-ever trophy after a nail-biting penalty shootout victory against Nashville SC. But was it just Messi magic, or something more?
Think of it like this: Messi joining Inter Miami is akin to LeBron James taking his talents to a struggling NBA franchise.The immediate impact is undeniable, but the long-term implications are even more profound.The leagues Cup victory wasn’t just a trophy; it was a statement. It signaled that Inter Miami, and by extension, MLS, is a force to be reckoned with.
The Messi Effect: More Than Just Goals
While Messi’s goals were undoubtedly crucial, his influence extended far beyond the scoresheet.His presence elevated the play of his teammates,creating opportunities and instilling a winning mentality. As Inter Miami coach Gerardo martino noted after the final,Lionel’s arrival has transformed the entire team.His leadership and experience are invaluable.
This echoes the sentiment frequently enough heard in basketball circles when discussing players like chris Paul. Their impact isn’t solely measured in points or assists, but in their ability to make everyone around them better. Messi’s soccer IQ and vision are simply unmatched, allowing him to dictate the tempo and control the flow of the game.
Nashville’s Heartbreak: A Valiant effort
while Inter Miami celebrated, Nashville SC was left to rue what could have been. Despite a strong performance, they ultimately fell short in the penalty shootout. Though, their journey to the final was a testament to their resilience and determination. They proved that they are a team on the rise, and their future looks luminous.
In the world of college football, this is similar to a smaller program making a Cinderella run to a major bowl game. Even if they don’t win, the experience and exposure can be transformative, attracting new talent and building a stronger foundation for future success.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Inter Miami and MLS
The Leagues Cup victory is just the beginning for Inter Miami. with Messi leading the charge, they are poised to compete for more titles and attract even more attention to MLS. The challenge now is to build on this success and create a lasting winning culture.
One area for further investigation is the long-term impact of Messi’s arrival on youth soccer in the United States. Will his presence inspire a new generation of American players to pursue the sport? Will it lead to increased investment in youth development programs? These are questions that will be answered in the years to come.
Though, some critics argue that relying too heavily on one player can be detrimental in the long run. What happens when Messi eventually retires? Will Inter Miami be able to maintain their success? These are valid concerns, and the team’s management will need to address them proactively.
Ultimately, the Messi era in Miami is a fascinating case study in the power of star power and the potential for growth in American soccer. The Leagues Cup victory was a historic moment, but it’s just the first chapter in what promises to be an exciting story.
MLS Cup Champions (Recent Years)
- 2024: Columbus Crew (MLS)
- 2023: Columbus Crew
- 2022: Los Angeles FC
- 2021: New York City FC
g q:key=lY4S:mL_1–>
4. 2024: Columbus Crew (MLS)
Ohio’s team defeated the Angelino painting at home 3-1 by the Colombian attacker Chucho Hernández who dispatched with a double.
5. 2025: Seattle Sounders (MLS)
With goals from De Rosario, Alex roldán and Paul Rothrock, the Seattle Sounders thrashed Inter Miami and stayed with the title. It is the first time they win this competition, although they had already played a final before, in front of the lion.
