Major League Soccer
Lionel Messi Predicts A Tough MLS Cup Final Against Thomas Müller’s Vancouver Whitecaps
Messi Admits Müller Makes The MLS Cup Final “More Competitive”
Lionel Messi is gearing up for yet another career-defining moment—this time in the MLS Cup final—and he’s fully aware of the challenge ahead. The Inter Miami captain has openly admitted that Thomas Müller’s presence at Vancouver Whitecaps makes the showdown significantly tougher.
Inter Miami fell out early in last year’s playoffs despite a record-breaking season, but the Herons have bounced back, fighting their way to the championship match taking place Saturday, December 6th.
Now, with Vancouver strengthened by a world-class veteran like Müller, Messi isn’t taking anything for granted.
Messi Praises Müller’s Impact And Vancouver’s Rise
In a chat with MLS Espanyol, Messi spoke highly of his longtime German rival:
“First of all, it’s really great that Müller has come to play in the MLS… It’s also nice that this final is happening again and that we get to face each other once more.”
Messi emphasized that Vancouver have been strong all year, finishing among the top teams and competing deep into every tournament—mirroring Inter Miami’s own journey.
The Argentine added:
“We know very well that it will be a very, very difficult match. And Müller joining that team certainly makes them stronger… It will be a very special final.”
It’s the respect of two legends—one calm, tactical genius against another relentless goal machine.
Messi Has Been Miami’s Engine… Again
At 38, Messi has delivered vintage numbers:
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29 goals
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19 assists
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A ruthless playoff run
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A statement performance vs Atlanta United (2 goals, 1 assist)
He remains the heartbeat of Inter Miami’s attack, dictating play, scoring in bunches, and dragging his team to the last day of the season.
Müller’s Late Arrival, Big Impact
Thomas Müller signed for Vancouver in August 2025, but he wasted no time making his mark:
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7 goals
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3 assists
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In just 7 regular-season games
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Now leading Vancouver to their first MLS Cup final
He’s done Müller things—intelligent movement, clutch goals, flawless timing—exactly what made him a Bayern Munich icon.
The Rivalry: Müller Dominates Messi Historically
While Messi is viewed as the superior all-time talent, Müller has been a consistent thorn in his side:
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Müller has 7 wins vs Messi
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Scored 5 goals
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Provided 2 assists
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Messi has only 3 wins, scoring 2 goals with 1 assist
And Vancouver themselves have proven to be a serious obstacle for Inter Miami:
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Eliminated Miami from the CONCACAF Champions League (5–1 aggregate)
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Miami did win the most recent MLS encounter
With both clubs at full competitive strength, this final has all the makings of a classic.
A Final Packed With Storylines
This isn’t just Messi vs Müller.
It’s:
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A revenge chapter
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MLS’s biggest global showcase
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Vancouver chasing their first-ever title
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Inter Miami hunting redemption
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Two legends reigniting a rivalry on U.S. soil
And if Messi’s words are anything to go by, this final might be one of the most competitive MLS Cup matches in years.
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