The Vancouver Whitecaps are headed to the MLS Cup final after a decisive 3-1 victory over San Diego FC in the Western Conference final on November 29, 2025. The win sets up a dream championship matchup against Lionel Messi and Inter Miami.
German Star Leads Vancouver to Glory
Thomas Müller, the decorated German international who joined the Whitecaps with championship ambitions, celebrated with traveling fans after the crucial victory. Despite being slowed by a leg injury in recent weeks, Müller's leadership and experience have been instrumental in Vancouver's playoff run.
"This is why we do it," Müller told Apple TV, pointing to German supporters who made the trip to Southern California. The Whitecaps signed Müller not only for his on-field prowess but to elevate the club's international profile, particularly in Germany.
Complete Team Performance Secures Victory
Facing a San Diego team that had given them trouble during the regular season, the Whitecaps delivered what Müller called a "perfect" performance. Vancouver took an early lead and never relinquished control, with key contributions throughout the lineup.
Defensive stalwarts Andres Cubas and Edier Ocampo limited San Diego's opportunities, while Ali Ahmed delivered one of his finest performances on the left wing. The return to full fitness of striker Brian White provided additional offensive firepower.
Müller noted the team's balanced approach compared to Inter Miami's reliance on Messi: "Maybe they rely a little bit more on him than we do on me, because we are such a good group."
Clash of Titans: Müller vs Messi
The MLS Cup final will mark the 11th meeting between these football legends. Müller's teams have historically held the advantage, winning seven of their previous ten encounters. The Whitecaps also defeated Inter Miami 5-1 in the Champions Cup semifinal earlier this year.
Both teams have evolved since that matchup. Miami has added depth, while Vancouver has integrated Müller into their system. Teammates have praised the German's impact beyond scoring, describing him as a "player-coach" who has elevated the entire squad's confidence and performance.
Messi enters the final in spectacular form, with six goals and five assists during the MLS Cup playoffs. He contributed an assist in Miami's 5-1 demolition of New York City FC in the Eastern Conference final.
The championship represents the culmination of Müller's mission in Vancouver: to become a North American champion after already winning World Cup, Champions League, Bundesliga, and Canadian Championship titles during his illustrious career.
