Lionel Messi heads into the MLS Cup final facing a challenge that goes beyond the usual weight of a title match, as he crosses paths again with Thomas Müller, the player who’s beaten him more than anyone else in his career, and in the very game that could give Inter Miami the first trophy in its history. The showdown against the Vancouver Whitecaps at Chase Stadium doesn’t need any extra buildup to feel big, the numbers speak loudly enough and set the tone for Saturday.
The history that comes with them
Messi and Müller have met ten times, both with their national teams and their clubs, and the German forward won eight of those matches. That list includes the 2010 World Cup quarterfinals, the 2014 final, and several memorable clashes between Barcelona, Bayern, PSG and Bayern over the past decade. There isn’t a single draw in that history, and that alone is enough to make the reunion a central storyline, even when both players try to treat the final as something separate from what came before.
In his pre match press conference, Müller tried to take some weight off the rivalry. He said he understands why the big names get the spotlight and called the final perfect, stating, “it makes sense to highlight Messi and me, and the other big names, but these are two teams with a very attractive and exciting playing style. In my opinion, it’s a perfect final.” He later downplayed any personal duel, explaining that “I don’t want to talk too much about the games we played (…) I always played with my team. I never played one on one.”
Messi responded in the same calm tone. He praised the German star and acknowledged his impact on MLS by saying “his arrival in MLS was great, he’s already made a big impact on Vancouver.” He then spoke about seeing Müller again and reinforced the expectation for the match, noting that “it’s very good to meet again” and that “it will be a great final that we hope to win.”
A new title that changes everything
Both clubs are chasing a trophy they’ve never won. Inter Miami finished third in the East, behind Philadelphia Union and FC Cincinnati. Vancouver, second in the West, arrives strong after a steady run and Müller’s quick adaptation, with nine goals and four assists in just twelve games since moving to Canada.
Messi is having a historic season, stacking up 61 goal contributions across the regular season and playoffs, the highest total ever recorded in the league. That alone helps explain why Miami believes so firmly in its title chances, even against a team powered by the German forward’s trademark efficiency.
Saturday’s final closes another chapter in the long sports relationship between Messi and Müller, now on completely different turf. The question is whether the ending will follow the same pattern as before or if the Argentine will finally break a streak that’s followed him for more than a decade.