Thomas Muller understands well what it’s like to compete against Lionel Messi for titles. He knows the formula for victory in those crucial moments.
The MLS Cup Final in 2025, featuring Messi with Inter Miami and Muller representing the Vancouver Whitecaps, contrasts significantly with the high-profile clashes of the 2014 World Cup Final and the 2010 Quarterfinal between Argentina and Germany.
Muller led Germany to victory in both encounters, with Messi participating for Argentina alongside Inter Miami’s coach, Javier Mascherano. As they prepare to face off again in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday, Muller recognizes that facing Messi does not guarantee a defeat.
“It’s not just about Messi; it’s about the matchup between Thomas Muller and Inter Miami,” he stated after Vancouver’s 3-1 victory against San Diego in the Western Conference finals. “This is Miami vs. the Whitecaps.”
He continued, “Perhaps they place more trust in him because we are a well-rounded group.”
Messi’s thoughts on this upcoming clash remain unclear, having competed against Muller ten times in various tournaments, winning only three of those encounters. Due to Inter Miami’s media policies, Messi is rarely available for commentary.
What’s undeniable is that Messi joined Inter Miami in mid-2023 to chase MLS Cup glory, a seemingly lofty ambition at the time since the team was languishing at the bottom of the league. A win on Saturday would fulfill that dream and cap off a season where Messi could secure the Golden Boot as MLS’s leading scorer and possibly his second consecutive league MVP award.
“Even though he is considered the greatest of all time, it’s unrealistic to think he will win every match,” Mascherano said following Inter Miami’s 5-1 triumph over New York City FC in the Eastern Conference finals. “The level of competition has improved.”
The MLS finals coincide with a significant week for North American soccer.
The draw for next year’s FIFA World Cup, scheduled to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will occur on Friday in Washington, D.C., alongside the inaugural presentation of the Peace Prize by FIFA, anticipated to be awarded to President Donald Trump. MLS is expected to announce its MVP award this week, and college soccer is gearing up for its championship rounds, including the men’s Division I quarterfinals and the women’s Division I College Cup.
Neither Messi nor Muller needs to win on Saturday for validation—their legacies as World Cup, Champions League, and Club World Cup winners are already secure.
However, like Messi, Muller joined MLS in hopes of adding another title to his accolades when he signed with Vancouver four months prior, and now that chance is finally here.
“It’s exciting to watch him play,” Muller remarked in a post-match interview on Apple TV after Vancouver’s win. “I believe Miami is a formidable team; I watched them convincingly defeat New York. This is a significant final that I wanted. Now, let’s make it happen. It’s fantastic for everyone involved.”
Fan Take: This matchup is significant for soccer fans as it highlights the increasing competitiveness of MLS, showcasing established stars like Messi and Muller in a league that’s rapidly evolving. A victory for either player could propel the sport even further into the spotlight in the U.S. and beyond, illustrating the growing popularity of soccer in North America.
