Inter Miami Battles Vancouver Whitecaps for MLS Cup Glory: Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed

Inter Miami host Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Chase Stadium on Saturday evening for the 30th MLS Cup championship match, featuring a clash between Lionel Messi and Thomas Müller for the 11th occasion in their illustrious careers.

Both squads arrive with strong momentum. The Herons progressed beyond New York City FC with a commanding 5–1 victory in the Eastern Conference Final last weekend, while Vancouver overcame Western Conference regular-season champions San Diego 3–1 to secure the Western Conference title.

Saturday's victor will claim the Phillip F. Anschutz Trophy and become the 16th unique franchise in league history to capture at least one MLS Cup championship.

Here is Sports Illustrated's comprehensive preview of the match.

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Inter Miami Squad Updates

When Inter Miami established their franchise, their ambition was to capture every available trophy. However, none holds greater significance for the organization than MLS Cup, particularly winning it with their core of former Barcelona legends, spearheaded by Lionel Messi.

Fortunately for the Herons, they've found their peak form at the perfect moment and enter as favorites for the encounter. Messi has contributed six goals and seven assists across five playoff matches, and Inter Miami have reached 98 goals throughout the MLS regular season and playoffs combined, establishing a new record for the most in the league's three-decade history.

Under debut manager Javier Mascherano, Miami will conclude the current chapter of their roster on Saturday, with Spanish icons Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba preparing to retire following the final whistle, regardless of whether they lift the trophy.

Simultaneously, the fixture arrives as Mascherano has evolved into a tactical mastermind in his inaugural professional coaching position. After depending heavily on Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez throughout 2024 and 2025, he has persisted with 19-year-old Mateo Silvetti in recent matches, transforming the fluidity of Miami's offensive play.

Meanwhile, winger Tadeo Allende tops the MLS Cup playoffs in scoring with eight goals, matching Carlos Ruiz's 2002 performance when he guided LA Galaxy to MLS Cup glory. Unfortunately for the Herons, Allende's availability remains uncertain as he was absent from Thursday's training session due to illness.

Beyond Allende, Miami appear to have their complete squad available, including Jamaican international right-back Ian Fray, who entered as a substitute in the Eastern Conference final after sustaining an injury during World Cup qualification.

Inter Miami have competed in the FIFA Club World Cup and remain the only MLS franchise to defeat a UEFA club in official competition, but no fixture carries greater importance for the team's legacy than Saturday's MLS Cup showdown.

Inter Miami Expected Starting XI vs. Vancouver Whitecaps

Inter Miami expected starting XI vs. NYCFC (4-3-3): Ríos Novo; Fray, Falcón, Allen, Alba; De Paul, Busquets, Rodriguez; Allende, Messi, Silvetti

Vancouver Whitecaps Squad Updates

The Vancouver Whitecaps have competed for North American championships previously, but never in MLS. For generations, the club has associated itself with the 1979 North American Soccer League Soccer Bowl triumph, which they secured in the franchise's fifth year of operation. 

Since joining MLS in 2011, the organization has claimed five Canadian Championship trophies, but has not secured another official title. They have the opportunity to achieve that on Saturday, as Müller and designated players Ryan Gauld, Andrés Cubas and Brian White spearhead their campaign in Fort Lauderdale. 

Under first-year coach Jesper Sørensen, the Whitecaps experienced a historic regular season and secured the Canadian Championship, reached the Concacaf Champions Cup final and earned MLS Cup qualification. 

That Champions Cup journey provides them substantial confidence against the Herons, whom they defeated 5–1 on aggregate across two matches in the competition's semifinals, before losing in the final to Liga MX's Cruz Azul. 

The foundation of their system remains the defensive midfield partnership of Cubas and USMNT midfielder Sebastian Berhalter, with Müller expected to operate ahead of them. Nevertheless, Müller has battled a soft-tissue injury and may only be capable of playing 60 minutes, the duration he managed in the Western Conference final. 

Should Müller's minutes and impact be restricted, Gauld likely assumes greater responsibility and brings pace and technical ability to the role. Beyond the midfield, anticipate wingers Emmanuel Sabbi and Ali Ahmed to serve crucial functions in creating threats from counter-attacks. 

The primary dilemma for Sørensen involves center-back selection. Ralph Priso, typically a midfielder, has excelled while covering for injury and suspension, while Mathías Laborda has performed similarly. However, the chance to restore MLS Defender of the Year Tristan Blackmon to the lineup could prove tempting, after he completed a red card suspension against San Diego. 

Guided by Müller's leadership and expertise, Vancouver approaches the match with optimism and aims to defeat Miami for the third time in 2025.

Vancouver Whitecaps Expected Starting XI vs. Inter Miami

Vancouver Whitecaps expected starting XI vs. Inter Miami (4-2-3-1): Takaoka; Ocampo, Priso, Blackmon, Johnson; Cubas, Berhalter; Sabbi, Müller, Ahmed; White

Inter Miami vs. Vancouver Whitecaps Final Score Forecast

Both teams have transformed significantly since their Concacaf Champions Cup encounters, but defensive vulnerabilities could persist. The Whitecaps must manage injury concerns and lack defensive cohesion, while Miami's backline may struggle against Vancouver's quick transitions.

This suggests the match should feature plenty of scoring opportunities. Don't anticipate a traditionally cautious final leading up to our forecast of Busquets and Alba hoisting the Phillip F. Anschutz Trophy with Inter Miami as the concluding moment of their football careers.

Final Score Forecast: Inter Miami 4–3 Vancouver Whitecaps (AET)