Inter Miami vs Vancouver Whitecaps: The MLS Cup final Lionel Messi didn’t want because of one man

After years of high-stakes clashes in Europe and on the international stage, Lionel Messi and Thomas Müller will cross paths once more, this time in Major League Soccer. Inter Miami rolled past New York City FC, while the Vancouver Whitecaps knocked out San Diego FC to book their place in the MLS Cup final.

On Saturday, Dec. 6, at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Messi and Müller will lead their teams in search of their first MLS championship. Miami, the Eastern Conference winner, aims to defend its home field against the Western Conference champion Whitecaps. For Messi, 38, and Müller, 36, it is another win-or-go-home meeting between two giants of the sport.

Messi chasing a perfect year in MLS

For Messi, the Inter Miami captain, the final is a chance to cap an extraordinary season in North America. The MLS superstar dominated the regular season and is the clear favorite for the 2025 MVP award. He has been electric in the playoffs, contributing to 13 of Miami’s 14 postseason goals.

Müller’s Canadian chapter adds pressure

Müller’s story has been just as compelling. Although he arrived in Canada late in the season, the Bayern Munich legend already lifted the Canadian Championship trophy. Now wearing the number 13 shirt, he hopes to spoil Miami’s dream run alongside head coach Jesper Sorensen.

Big-game history favors Müller

While Messi has earned big wins over Müller throughout their careers, the German forward has enjoyed more success in their most decisive encounters. Muller eliminated Messi from the 2010 World Cup, defeated him again in the 2014 World Cup final, and played a key role in Bayern Munich’s 8–2 demolition of Barcelona in the 2019-20 UEFA Champions League.

A high-stakes finale in Fort Lauderdale

Messi’s mission is clear. He wants to deliver the first major title of the Inter Miami era. The obstacle is a well-structured Vancouver Whitecaps side led by a veteran who has been a thorn in Messi’s side for more than a decade. Fort Lauderdale is set for a dramatic finish as MLS prepares to crown a new champion.

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