Thomas Muller has shared his thoughts on Vancouver Whitecaps’ chances of defeating Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami in the MLS Cup final. The two teams will face off for the showpiece contest on Saturday, December 6, at the home ground of Inter Miami, Chase Stadium.

It’s the first appearance of Vancouver and Miami in the MLS Cup final, with Thomas Muller and Lionel Messi set to lock horns for the first time outside Europe in club football. Both teams last faced each other in the semi-finals of the Concacaf Champions Cup in April and May, with the Canadian champions defeating the Herons in both legs.

Despite Vancouver’s recent record against their Eastern Conference rivals, Muller does not think they will have an easy ride against Miami in today’s final.

“What are our chances to win?” The former Bayern Munich star interjected after teammate Sebastian Berhalter suggested focusing on the game and not the venue. “10%? 20? Or less?” he continued. “But there is a chance?”

After receiving a positive response, Muller grinned:

“I’m glad to hear that.”

Speaking further, Muller claimed that Major League Soccer (MLS) are trying to make the final a showdown between him and Messi. He continued:

“I know for you guys in the media and also MLS, it makes sense to make a point with Messi and myself and the bigger names, but it is about two teams with a very attractive and good-looking playing style. It’s always nice to meet old friends. We are not really close, but I always watched them. They were great players – some of them still are.”

Lionel Messi relishes MLS Cup final showdown with Thomas Muller

Lionel Messi anticipated a thrilling MLS Cup final showdown with Thomas Muller, who joined Vancouver Whitecaps from Bayern Munich in August. The Inter Miami forward admitted Vancouver’s strength and suggested that the addition of Muller has made them stronger.

“It is very nice that he has come to play in MLS and the repercussions that this represents,” Messi told MLS Season Pass on Thursday. “It’s good that this final came to be and that we can face each other again.”

“We have already faced Vancouver and we know what kind of team they are. In fact, they eliminated us. It was also a very consistent team throughout the year that finished among the top teams and competed in all competitions until the end, just as we did,” Messi added.

“We know it’s going to be a very, very tough game, and the addition of Müller coming to that team makes them much better still. It brings more awareness to the game, to the team, and it will be a very, very special final, which we hope will be in our favor.”

Thomas Muller and Lionel Messi last faced each other when Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich faced off in the Champions League on March 8, 2023. Across their 10 meetings, Muller edged out the battle, holding a record of seven wins compared to Messi’s three.