The stage is set for a monumental showdown in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. On December 6, 2025, the Vancouver Whitecaps will battle Inter Miami CF for the Major League Soccer championship in the MLS Cup final. The highly anticipated match pits global superstar Lionel Messi against German legend Thomas Müller, creating a narrative dream for the league.
Pregame Lineup and Key Details
Ahead of the kickoff, the Vancouver Whitecaps have revealed their starting eleven with few surprises. The defensive lineup sees the return of Tristan Blackmon at centre back, where he will partner with Ralph Priso. Mathias Laborda has been given the nod to start on the left side of the defense.
The match represents the culmination of a long season for both clubs. For the Whitecaps, reaching the final is a historic achievement, though the club's future ownership remains a topic of discussion. The team trained at Florida International University on Friday, December 5, as captured in photos by The Canadian Press.
The Star Power on Display
This final is being billed as much more than a team contest; it's a clash of iconic football personalities. Inter Miami's Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest player of all time, brings his magic to the domestic stage. Facing him is Vancouver's marquee signing, Thomas Müller, whose experience and proven winning mentality at the highest levels of European football have been transformative for the Whitecaps this season.
Analysts have suggested that Müller's presence is precisely the kind of star power Major League Soccer needs to elevate its global profile. His duel with Messi promises to be the central storyline of the championship decider.
What's at Stake for Vancouver
For the Whitecaps and their fans, this is a chance to etch the club's name into MLS history. A victory would secure the franchise's first-ever MLS Cup, a landmark moment for soccer in Vancouver and across Canada. The team's journey to the final has captured the attention of the nation, pushing other sports stories, including the Canucks' recent loss and the upcoming FIFA World Cup draw, to the periphery for this singular event.
As the players prepared, the sentiment was clear: it all comes to this moment. The opportunity to make history is now, against the formidable challenge of an Inter Miami side built around its own legendary talent. All eyes are on Florida as the 2025 MLS season reaches its dramatic conclusion.
