Thomas Müller understands the pressure of facing Lionel Messi when a trophy is on the line, and he knows what it takes to secure a victory in those critical moments.
The upcoming 2025 MLS Cup final, featuring Messi and Inter Miami against Müller and the Vancouver Whitecaps, contrasts significantly from the lineups seen during the 2014 World Cup final and the 2010 World Cup quarterfinals, where Argentina squared off against Germany.
Germany triumphed in both encounters. Messi participated in those matches for Argentina alongside Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano. As they prepare to face off again on Saturday in Fort Lauderdale, Müller is undoubtedly aware that a matchup against Messi doesn’t guarantee defeat.
“This is not about Messi against Thomas Müller,” he told reporters following Vancouver’s 3-1 victory over San Diego in the Western Conference final. “It’s Miami versus the Whitecaps.”
He also added, “Perhaps they depend on him a bit more than we rely on me, as we have such an excellent team.”
What Messi thinks about this matchup remains largely unknown, as he has faced Müller ten times across various tournaments, winning only three of those meetings. Inter Miami seldom makes Messi available for interviews, keeping his thoughts on the game a mystery.
However, what is clear is Messi’s ambition: he joined Inter Miami midway through 2023 with the intention of winning an MLS Cup, a goal that seemed ambitious at the time since the team was at the bottom of the standings. A victory on Saturday would not only fulfill his aim but also crown a season in which Messi secured MLS‘ Golden Boot as the leading scorer, and likely another consecutive league MVP award.
“Even though he’s the greatest of all time, it’s unrealistic to expect him to win every match,” Mascherano stated after Inter Miami’s 5-1 victory over New York City FC. “Everyone has elevated their game.”
The MLS final also coincides with an exciting week for soccer in North America.
On Friday in Washington D.C., the FIFA World Cup draw for next year’s men’s tournament in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico is set to take place, along with the initial presentation of that organization’s peace prize, which is anticipated to be awarded to President Donald Trump. Additionally, MLS is expected to announce its MVP award winner this week, coinciding with the nearing conclusion of the college soccer championship rounds. The men’s Division I quarterfinals will happen this weekend, along with the commencement of the women’s Division I College Cup.
Neither Messi nor Müller requires a victory on Saturday to establish their legacies; both are already secured as World Cup champions, Champions League victors, and Club World Cup winners.
However, like Messi, Müller joined the MLS—signing with Vancouver four months ago—with aspirations of adding a league title to his accolades. Now, that opportunity is within reach.
“I admire watching him play,” Müller remarked in a post-match interview for Apple TV after Vancouver’s win. “I feel Miami is a very strong team. Their recent performance against New York was impressive. This is a significant final that I hoped for, and here we are. It’s exciting for everyone involved.”