Messi vs Müller: MLS Cup Showdown

Miami, Messi to host Vancouver in first MLS final

Fort Lauderdale, November 30, 2025

Inter Miami CF will host the Vancouver Whitecaps FC in the 2025 MLS Cup Final at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on December 6. This marks the first MLS Cup final appearance for Inter Miami, with both teams vying for their inaugural league championship in a highly anticipated match featuring stars Lionel Messi and Thomas Müller.

Details of the MLS Cup Final

The 2025 MLS Cup Final is scheduled for 2:30 pm Eastern Time (11:30 am Pacific Time) at Chase Stadium, with live broadcasts available on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV, FOX, FOX Deportes, TSN, and RDS. This event will be a significant milestone for Major League Soccer, as Inter Miami reaches the final for the first time in club history.

Path to the Final

Inter Miami secured their place in the final by defeating New York City FC 5–1 in the Eastern Conference Final. Argentine forward Tadeo Allende notably contributed a hat trick in that match, sealing Miami’s advancement. Vancouver Whitecaps attained their position by overcoming San Diego FC in the Western Conference Final. Both clubs claim conference championships this season, with Inter Miami granted hosting rights due to a superior regular-season record.

Star Players and Rivalry

A central narrative of this final is the face-off between Lionel Messi, Inter Miami’s global superstar, and Thomas Müller, a veteran forward in his first MLS season with Vancouver. Messi’s 2025 campaign has been remarkable, earning him the MLS Golden Boot with 29 goals and 19 assists, as well as a record for most assists in men’s football history. Müller brings extensive international experience and leadership to the Whitecaps, setting the stage for a rare encounter between two internationally recognized football icons.

Significance for Teams and Players

For Inter Miami, the match represents an opportunity to secure their first major trophy and to conclude the North American careers of key players Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba with a championship. Meanwhile, Vancouver seeks its inaugural MLS title, aiming to capitalize on Müller’s influential presence on the team. The final is positioned to be one of the most-viewed MLS Cup finals, reflecting both the star power and the historic moment for the league and clubs involved.

Broadcast and Audience

The final will be accessible internationally through multiple platforms, accommodating a wide audience encompassing business leaders, policymakers, and global citizens interested in sports and cultural events. The timing and media coverage indicate the match’s importance within the sports calendar and its potential impact on MLS’s profile worldwide.

The upcoming MLS Cup Final on December 6 serves as a defining moment for both franchises and their supporters, encapsulating a season of unprecedented achievements and the closing chapters of notable players’ careers in North American soccer.