While Major League Soccer might not publicly express it, it’s reasonable to assume that Don Garber and his team are thrilled about Saturday’s MLS Cup matchup in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This matchup presents an ideal scenario for the league, its dedicated commissioner, and MLS’s broadcasting partners.
“In my view, it’s a perfect final,” remarked Vancouver Whitecaps player Thomas Muller.
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“It’s going to be an incredibly special final,” added Lionel Messi, the star player of Inter Miami.
This thrilling matchup features Messi, widely regarded as the sport’s greatest player, leading Inter Miami to their inaugural final since their arrival in South Florida two and a half years ago. Joining him are former FC Barcelona legends Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suárez, who collectively dominated their playoff opponents.
For the first time in over a year, Messi will compete in an MLS match broadcast on standard television, as Fox partners with Apple TV (which holds the pay rights to all matches) for the championship coverage.
The Whitecaps, also making their first final appearance, boast German superstar Muller, who has had a significant impact since joining from Bayern Munich over the summer. Supporting him is Sebastian Berhalter, a U.S. World Cup hopeful stepping out of his father’s shadow, the former American coach Greg Berhalter.
Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi celebrates after winning the MLS Eastern Conference final. Will he lift another trophy after Saturday’s MLS Cup game against the Vancouver Whitecaps?
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Set for 2:30 p.m. ET, the final follows the tournament schedule announcement at noon on Saturday, coinciding with the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington. This match represents a chance to capture worldwide attention as soccer enthusiasts look forward to the upcoming tournament that will take place across 16 venues in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
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“I know the media is focused on Messi and myself along with the other star players,” Muller stated. “However, what’s really exciting is the clash between two teams that exhibit such attractive and effective playing styles.”
This final also marks the second meeting between Messi and Muller for a major trophy, the first being the thrilling 2014 World Cup final where Argentina faced Germany (Germany won 1-0 in extra time). Of the last nine finals, six were won by clubs in Europe.
Messi, who seldom provides interviews, shared through a written statement from MLS: “It’s wonderful that the final is being held here and that we get to face each other once more.” He acknowledged that it will be a challenging match and expressed excitement over Muller joining the team mid-season.
“It’s always great to reconnect with old friends,” Muller added.
Argentina forward and captain Lionel Messi (left) and Germany forward Thomas Muller compete for the ball during the 2014 FIFA World Cup soccer final match between Germany and Argentina at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 13, 2014. Germany won 1-0.
(Odd Andersen via Getty Images)
Muller’s arrival not only bolsters Vancouver’s team with top-tier talent but also energizes the locker room atmosphere.
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“I’ve chuckled at some of his jokes, perhaps once or twice genuinely,” laughed Whitecaps coach Jesper Sorensen.
This match also signifies the conclusion of legendary careers for Alba and Busquets.
“This victory means so much to me, to them, to everyone, right?” Messi, who’s 38, expressed. “I wish them the best in winning the title to cap their careers splendidly.”
Both Alba, at 36, and Busquets, at 37, are on the brink of securing their 20th trophy together.
“I’m thankful for my career, the teams I’ve been part of, and all I’ve learned and enjoyed. It’s an honor,” Alba stated.
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“This week has a lot of emotion as I prepare for my last game…and I hope it ends positively,” he added.
Despite not meeting expectations in the last two seasons, Miami is driven to succeed. Messi joined the team midway through the 2023 season, which concluded without a playoff berth. Last year, Miami claimed the Supporters’ Shield as top regular-season team but lost in the first playoff round to Atlanta.
The team rebounded this season by defeating Nashville in the opening round and winning a decisive Game 3 by a score of 4-0. They continued their success by outscoring Cincinnati and New York City FC 4-0 and 5-1, respectively.
“They’ve scored a lot of goals,” noted Muller. “Their scoring has been impressive.”
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With a staggering total of 98 goals in regular-season and playoff matches, a home record of 21-4-4 across all competitions, and a postseason tally of 3-0-0 with a 12-2 goal differential, Miami appears to be the team to beat. Messi leads with 13 playoff contributions (six goals, seven assists), while Tadeo Allende follows with eight goals.
However, Vancouver bested Miami in international showdowns, winning the two CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinal matches in April with a combined score of 5-1. “That was a tough experience,” Alba remarked.
“Those games boosted our confidence, and we know we can go out there and compete,” added Berhalter.
“April didn’t go our way,” reflected Miami coach Javier Mascherano, “but this time it’s different. We approach the final with renewed confidence.”
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The Whitecaps acquired Muller in the summer, while Miami brought in midfielder Rodrigo de Paul, a teammate of Messi on the Argentine national team, from Atletico Madrid.
“This match will be different,” Sorensen acknowledged.
Alongside facing Miami’s formidable offense, the Whitecaps will also need to adapt to the heat in Florida.
“It’s been quite a while since I’ve had to apply sunscreen for a match,” Sorensen joked.
Yet, the spotlight will be on Messi and Miami, who are expected to draw significant attention on Saturday.
“I hope this gives us an edge,” Messi said.
As soccer fans eagerly anticipate this final, this match not only showcases the pinnacle of talent in MLS but also serves as a crucial moment for the sport in North America. A thrilling game could elevate the league’s profile and excitement leading into the next World Cup, signaling growth and competition in the region.
