Vancouver Whitecaps forward Thomas Müller expressed that the upcoming MLS Cup final against Inter Miami on December 6 is an ideal matchup, highlighting the exciting playing styles of both teams.
“I think this match is fantastic. I know the media and MLS tend to focus on names like Messi and myself, but it’s really about two teams that play an attractive and appealing style of football,” Müller noted. “In my opinion, it’s the perfect final, and I’m grateful to be a part of it.”
Müller is set to reconnect with familiar rivals Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suárez after facing these stars on numerous occasions while playing for Bayern Munich and the German national team. His last encounter with Messi’s former club, Barcelona, came during the 2019-20 Champions League, where Bayern achieved a remarkable 8-2 victory.
The last time Müller and Messi crossed paths was during a Champions League match on March 8, 2023, when Paris Saint-Germain faced Bayern.
“As for past results, they don’t matter for the future, but it’s nice to catch up with them,” he added.
Müller boasts a record of seven wins and three losses against Messi’s teams.
He also remembers his victories over Argentina in the World Cup, winning 4-0 in the quarterfinals in 2010 and 1-0 in the final in 2014. Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano was part of the Argentina squad that was defeated by Germany in both knockout matches.
Mascherano humorously remarked, “I don’t have fond memories of him” when asked about Müller, yet he acknowledged the German forward’s caliber. “He’s been a formidable opponent for many years, both internationally and at the club level. A world champion who has achieved everything with Bayern, he adds immense prestige to Vancouver and the league overall. He’s a great player, and we hope luck is on our side tomorrow.”
Nevertheless, Müller stated that past achievements do not influence his confidence going into the MLS final, as those victories are already in the history books.
“I feel comfortable looking back on my past experiences as they’re already recorded,” Müller explained. “I’ve had many enjoyable moments in those games, but they don’t dictate what will happen on Saturday.”
“It’s a fresh game. While my history might give me a sense of confidence to compete, it’s ultimately about how we perform on the pitch. Saturday is a new challenge, and I look forward to discussing it after the game,” he added.
Müller referenced his team’s two victories over Inter Miami in the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals, where the Whitecaps advanced by an aggregate score of 5-1.