Lionel Messi, Thomas Muller will meet for the 11th time when Inter Miami faces Vancouver Whitecaps in the 2025 MLS Cup Final Saturday.

Both teams clinched their spot in MLS Cup with dominant performances. Inter Miami thrashed New York City FC 4–1, featuring a hat-trick by Tadeo Allende in the Eastern final, before the Whitecaps beat San Diego FC 3–1 on the back of a Brian White brace to claim Western glory.

Lionel Messi's friend was initially derided as having secured the Miami job due to his close relationship with the Argentina superstar

Inter Miami faces the Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS Cup final, with Messi and Muller driving a record-breaking postseason. Get the full preview.

Inter Miami CF forward Luis Suárez emphasized he continues to work hard on and off the field to prove to head coach Javier Mascherano that he can play a more active role in the MLS Cup final on December 6 but understands the reason behind the manager's choices for the starting lineup.

Messi finds himself on the brink of a new collective achievement, one that places him ahead of his long-time counterpart, Ronaldo in an unexpected way. The global debate over who stands above the rest — Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo — has never truly faded.

They have certainly made a solid run in the playoffs, as Lionel Messi’s epic performance helped his side get through Nashville in a thrilling first-round series. Then, Miami lambasted Cincinnati in the second round, moving within a win of the MLS Cup Final for the first time in franchise history.