Thomas Muller Reveals How MLS Cup Dreams Stack Up Against His Trophy Cabinet

FORT LAUDERDALE – For Thomas Müller, no prize holds greater significance than MLS Cup as his Vancouver Whitecaps prepare to battle Lionel Messi's Inter Miami at Chase Stadium this Saturday.

"I place it at the top, since it's the sole championship we're discussing, and it's approaching. I haven't competed in it before," Müller shared with media in Fort Lauderdale. "Right now, for me, this Saturday's championship represents the most crucial matter in my existence."

Germany's most accomplished footballer ever has an impressive record facing Messi, claiming victory in seven out of eight competitive encounters between them. However, he prefers not to make that the centerpiece of MLS Cup.

"Looking at our history, I feel quite confident about that, since those results are already recorded," the 36-year-old explained. "I enjoyed many wonderful moments in those matches with my squads, so they were enjoyable. But that's irrelevant for Saturday, it's a fresh contest."

"This isn't about Messi versus Thomas Müller... It's Miami facing the Whitecaps."

Following his Vancouver arrival in August, Müller has transformed the mindset of the city's sporting supporters, elevating the Whitecaps to unprecedented popularity levels.

Simultaneously, he's integrated perfectly into a midfield alongside U.S. men's national team midfielder Sebastian Berhalter and Paraguay's Andrés Cubas. He has impacted the offense with nine goals and four assists across his initial 12 appearances in all competitions.

Vancouver displays versatility, adaptability and now possesses Müller's championship mentality entering MLS Cup against a talent-rich Inter Miami squad, whom they defeated twice during spring Concacaf Champions Cup matches.

"This involves two squads… two teams featuring very appealing and attractive playing approaches, making it an ideal championship in my view," the German icon stated. "I value participating in this competition, and this Cup represents our purpose here, and we aim to claim it."

Mario Götze Reveals Müller's Secret Weapon

While Müller concentrates on what lies ahead and the possibility of becoming the inaugural player to capture both an MLS Cup and a World Cup, there's minimal question the 2014 World Cup triumph with Germany stands as his career pinnacle–regardless of his claims otherwise.

Mario Götze, who shared over ten years with Müller on Germany's national squad and netted the decisive 1–0 goal securing that memorable victory in Rio de Janeiro eleven years past, will be watching Saturday's championship.

"His hidden strength?" Götze revealed to MLSSoccer.com. "I'd describe it as his persistence, his psychological toughness. Whether he finds the net or squanders an opportunity doesn't matter; next time he'll be positioned there, whether in practice or during matches, he'll convert. He simply perseveres. I believe that's a remarkable quality, and he maintains strict discipline about it."

Whitecaps Passion From Afar for MLS Cup

For the Whitecaps, this year's achievements have been remarkable.

For the first occasion since 1979, when the organization captured the North American Soccer League's Soccer Bowl, the city's roads have been awash in blue and white with over 20,000 supporters anticipated at BC Place for an official viewing celebration.

"This represents everything we desire. For our organization, having this level of backing isn't typical. This amount of enthusiasm surrounding the Whitecaps in our city isn't normal, and we genuinely sense everyone's support," manager Jesper Sørensen commented.

"Athletics overall, soccer specifically, isn't performed solely for personal satisfaction. It's about generating enthusiasm around it. It's about building relationships through it. These represent some of the finest aspects, I think and trust, that can unite people."

If the Whitecaps defeat Miami for the third occasion in 2025, they would establish themselves as the inaugural team to capture MLS Cup after reaching the Concacaf Champions Cup championship in the identical season, writing a fresh page in North America's oldest football organization's history.