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Lionel Messi and Thomas Müller have shared the grandest stages in world football, and both are World Cup winners. Yet a deep mutual admiration exists between the two as they navigate the final chapters of their legendary careers in MLS.
On Tuesday, as Messi netted a hat-trick in Argentina's 3–0 victory over Algeria, appearing in his sixth World Cup and equaling Miroslav Klose's all-time men's World Cup scoring record, Müller watched closely. The German icon and 2014 World Cup champion—a title he claimed against Messi—is serving as a television analyst at this year's World Cup, commentating alongside Jürgen Klopp and fellow German greats.
While Müller was in East Rutherford, N.J., covering France vs. Senegal, he took to Instagram to post a congratulatory message following Messi's brilliant performance, which brought his World Cup tally to 16 goals.
"This guy," Müller wrote on his story, accompanied by a goat emoji.
The two icons have clashed in some of the most high-stakes matches in history, including the 2014 World Cup final, which was also Klose's farewell World Cup appearance. They also faced off multiple times in the UEFA Champions League. Their most recent encounter came in the 2025 MLS Cup, where Messi's Inter Miami beat Müller's Vancouver Whitecaps to claim the Florida club's first-ever title.
"We don't know each other particularly well," Müller told Süddeutsche Zeitung following the MLS Cup defeat. "We're acquaintances, but it's never really turned personal between us or evolved into a fierce rivalry.
"I've been part of teams that faced sides for whom Messi was far more significant than I was for mine. But I have managed to get under his skin a few times! Because I was involved in a few goals that he felt ... let's just say there's a mutual respect. From my side, that goes without saying. He's one of a kind, irreplaceable, and in my eyes, simply the best!"
Could Messi Play Müller Again?
Although both continue to compete in MLS, the chances of Messi and Müller facing each other again appear slim. Müller, who has contributed four goals and four assists across 12 appearances in his second season with the Whitecaps, will rejoin the squad after his broadcasting stint, but his side competes in the Western Conference, and no cross-conference fixtures would pit them against Miami.
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Müller's deal also runs out at the conclusion of the 2026 season.
Messi, having claimed MLS MVP honors in each of the past two seasons, is contracted with the Herons through the 2027-28 campaign and has registered 12 goals and eight assists in 12 matches in 2026. The only realistic scenario in which the two could meet would be if both clubs reach the MLS Cup final for a rematch, or at some stage in the Leagues Cup, which also includes Liga MX sides.