In an exciting clash on Saturday, Thomas Muller’s Vancouver Whitecaps triumphed over Son Heung-min’s Los Angeles FC in the MLS Western Conference semifinals. This victory propels the Canadian team into the Conference final, where they await the outcome of the match between San Diego FC and Minnesota United, scheduled for Monday, November 24, at Snapdragon Stadium.
Meanwhile, in the Eastern Conference, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami is set to vie for a spot in the Conference final against Cincinnati. The prospect of a final showdown between the Whitecaps and Messi’s Herons is generating significant buzz, particularly given the star power of both players, with Messi at 38 and Muller at 36.
In a recent interview, Muller reflected on his competitive history with Messi, having faced him during their time in Europe. The former Bayern Munich star playfully expressed his desire for a final matchup against Miami, commenting, “My history with him forces me to hope for a final against Miami. So it’s not my fault. Sorry. They brought me in to say that.” This sentiment underscores the excitement surrounding their potential face-off, reminiscent of past high-stakes encounters.
One notable highlight from their history is Bayern Munich’s significant 8-2 victory over Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League back in August 2020, where Muller scored twice while Messi and his team struggled to find the net. Muller aims to channel that success as he leads the Whitecaps through this playoff season.
As both teams gear up for what could be a historic MLS Cup, the anticipation among fans is palpable. The possibility of witnessing two of football’s greats, Muller and Messi, facing off on the grand stage of the MLS Cup adds an exhilarating layer to this year’s playoffs.