I say, and with Allah's success: Zakat is not valid without intention. It is sufficient for you regarding Zakat if you intend it as long as the money is in the hands of the poor and has not been consumed. However, if they have disposed of it, your intention is no longer valid; because Zakat is an act of worship and is not valid without intention. The principle in it is to be accompanied by performance, like other acts of worship. As mentioned in Al-Mishkat, p. 309, and Allah knows best.