The excitement is palpable as Lionel Messi gears up to face Thomas Muller in the MLS Cup final this Saturday. This inaugural showdown between Inter Miami and Vancouver Whitecaps marks a historic moment in both clubs’ narratives. As fans eagerly await the clash, it’s worth examining Messi’s record against the seasoned German forward.
Inter Miami secured their place in the final after a victory over New York City FC in the Eastern Conference, while Vancouver Whitecaps edged past San Diego in the Western Conference. The anticipation surrounding the match is heightened by the presence of two of football’s biggest stars, whose performance can turn the tide of any game.
Messi’s Stellar MLS Debut
Since joining Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2023, Messi has left an indelible mark on the league, racking up an incredible 78 goal contributions in just 50 matches. His ability to change the course of a match has made him a formidable presence on the pitch, and fans are keenly watching how he will perform in this high-stakes final.
Muller’s Impact with Vancouver
Conversely, after departing from Bayern Munich, Thomas Muller has made his mark in Vancouver, where he has quickly become influential. In his 12 appearances for the Whitecaps so far, he boasts 13 goal contributions. With this level of performance, Muller is ready to assert himself against Messi, adding another layer of intrigue to this final encounter.
A Rivalry with History
The rivalry between Messi and Muller is underlined by significant historical contexts. Muller has often been seen as a nemesis for Messi, having triumphed over him in key moments. Most notably, he was part of the German squad that defeated Argentina in the 2014 World Cup final and was also involved in the infamous 8-2 drubbing of Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League.
Out of the 10 encounters between the two players, Messi has managed to secure victory in only three, while Muller leads with seven wins. Of Messi’s three victories, two occurred in international friendlies, emphasizing the competitive edge that Muller has maintained in high-stakes scenarios. The only time Messi triumphed in a crucial match against Muller was during the 2014-15 Champions League semi-final, where he netted twice in a 3-0 win, allowing Barcelona to advance on aggregate after a close second leg.
The Last Meeting
The most recent encounter between these footballing giants came during the final season of Messi’s tenure with Paris Saint-Germain. In the Round of 16 of the Champions League, Bayern Munich reigned supreme once again, winning both matches and marking Messi’s last appearances in the competition.
Muller’s Respect for Messi
Despite his superior record against Messi, Muller has publicly acknowledged Messi’s greatness, even admitting to a change of heart regarding the greatest of all time (GOAT) debate. Initially favoring Cristiano Ronaldo, Muller shifted his stance after witnessing Messi’s performance during the 2022 World Cup. In a recent interview, he stated, “Lionel Messi is the GOAT,” emphasizing the admiration he holds for Messi’s unique style and artistry on the field. He reflects, “Both are absolutely crazy. I don’t know why it worked so often against him [Messi].”
Lionel Messi’s Record Against Thomas Muller
Games: 10
Wins: 3
Draws: 0
Losses: 7
Goals: 3
Assists: 1
Thomas Muller’s Record Against Lionel Messi
Games: 10
Wins: 7
Draws: 0
Losses: 3
Goals: 6
Assists: 2
As the final approaches, both Messi and Muller will look to add another chapter to this intriguing rivalry. With the stakes incredibly high and legacies on the line, fans can expect a thrilling encounter. The outcome could further define their careers and the narrative of this championship match.
