Thomas Müller Issues Bold Challenge to Lionel Messi Before Explosive MLS Cup Showdown
Vancouver Whitecaps FC's Thomas Müller has vowed to "pursue" Lionel Messi once more, expressing his desire for an MLS Cup clash against the Argentine's Inter Miami squad.
Müller and Vancouver must first overcome San Diego FC in Saturday's Western Conference championship before they can envision a title match against either Miami or New York City FC next month.
The German legend secured victory in the most significant contest when his national squad defeated Argentina and Messi in the 2014 World Cup final. Over ten years later, that championship desire remains strong.
"My past with [Messi] compels me to wish for a final," he shared with MLS. "To me, Messi represents the finest player in our sport... but I will pursue you [Messi] once more."
At 36 years old, Müller is guiding the Whitecaps through his inaugural MLS Cup playoffs and into the franchise's first-ever Western Conference final appearance.
"As you advance toward finals, you face superior teams," Müller explained to media this week. "You typically encounter the elite squads at the end, so defeating the stronger team is always satisfying. Larger crowds, more viewers watching whether you succeed or fail. That motivates me, honestly. Accomplishing the task when everyone's observing... That's the essence, and that's what I aim to achieve repeatedly."
Vancouver approaches Saturday's contest following a franchise-defining victory, defeating Son Heung-min's LAFC on penalties after a thrilling 2–2 tie, overcoming playoff struggles after the Black and Gold eliminated Vancouver's 2024 and 2025 campaigns.
Currently, they stand on the brink of MLS Cup, with another crucial match in a record-setting season that witnessed them reach the Concacaf Champions Cup final, capture a fourth consecutive Canadian Championship, and establish regular-season franchise records across nearly every metric.
"We advanced, and everyone will recall that," Müller reflected on the LAFC triumph. "However, nobody remembers quarterfinals. A quarterfinal serves only to reach the semifinal or begin vacation. The objective remains reaching the final, and that's our next milestone, which is my current focus."
Whitecaps Welcome Pressure, Camaraderie
The Whitecaps carry substantial confidence on the road as they face a record-pursuing San Diego squad, anticipating a sold-out audience exceeding 35,000 at Snapdragon Stadium.
Despite Müller's extensive experience in crucial moments, the sequence of significant matches in 2025 has represented uncharted territory for many teammates. Nevertheless, this doesn't cause excessive worry.
"They should experience it. They should feel the pressure, but manage it appropriately," Müller stated. "It's not about avoiding these emotions; it's about utilizing them effectively.
"The positive aspect in such a reactive sport like soccer is when the referee signals, you lack time to overthink, so we simply play."
Against San Diego, the Whitecaps aim to conclude the most successful expansion team season. The California club features MLS Newcomer of the Year Anders Dreyer, who contributed four goals and one assist across four playoff matches after accumulating 19 goals and 19 assists during regular season play.
To accomplish this, they require peak performance not only from Müller, but also U.S. men's national team midfielder Sebastian Berhalter, whose intensity and determination in midfield have proven essential to Vancouver and his growing reputation with USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino.
"Pressure, in my view, originates within your mind," Berhalter explained. "I believe we've managed that excellently this year, not overcomplicating matters. We're participating in a soccer match alongside our closest friends, and we're simply enjoying ourselves."
Jesper Sørensen's Modifications
Fortunately for the Whitecaps, adjustments and system reliance rather than individual dependence have characterized 2025 and must persist against San Diego while managing injuries and suspensions.
At center back, manager Jesper Sørensen cannot utilize MLS Defender of the Year Tristan Blackmon, who received a red card versus LAFC, among others. Consequently, anticipate right back Mathías Laborda shifting inside alongside midfielder Ralph Priso, who has adapted to the central defensive position and excelled in recent weeks.
Modifications and squad depth, however, represent the Whitecaps' strengths and must prove decisive again on Saturday.
"It's benefited us throughout the season that we can execute various approaches, that we possess tactical versatility, we can modify and alter tactics, not merely between matches, but during games too," Sørensen noted. "That's certainly contributed to our success this year... We have options available if we truly need to influence the game's direction."
Now, they must adapt once more, with the tantalizing possibility of either a final before a sold-out BC Place against New York City, or an encounter with an Inter Miami side they defeated twice in the Champions Cup, which would also showcase a battle between Müller and Messi.