Lionel Messi stands on the brink of a historic achievement. The Argentine icon has transformed Inter Miami. They now face the in-form Vancouver Whitecaps in Saturday’s MLS Cup final.

Messi’s arrival in Florida two years ago reshaped Major League Soccer. Now, the 38-year-old superstar is close to securing Miami’s first domestic trophy. The club, an expansion team since 2020, has long awaited this moment.

Inter Miami enters the final playing their best football. Many had doubted them after a shaky start to the season. However, Messi inspired a thrilling playoff run. The team scored 17 goals in just five matches.

The Formidable Opponent: Vancouver Whitecaps

Vancouver poses a significant challenge. The Canadian club is brimming with confidence. German World Cup winner Thomas Müller joined them in August. His arrival sharpened their already potent attack.

Chase Stadium will host four World Cup champions. Müller, Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Rodrigo De Paul will all be on the field. This matchup is a marketer’s dream. Yet, Müller downplays any personal duel.

“It’s not about Messi against Thomas Müller,” he stated. This was after Vancouver’s 3-1 win over San Diego. “It’s Miami against the Whitecaps.”

Miami’s Incredible Turnaround

Miami’s presence in the final is remarkable. In April, Javier Mascherano’s team seemed flat. They appeared tired and predictable. They won only two of their first eight matches. A 5-1 aggregate loss to Vancouver also drew heavy criticism.

However, the team has since transformed. De Paul brought urgency to the midfield. Mascherano replaced Luis Suárez (38) with Mateo Silvetti (19). This bold move revitalized the attack. Miami now looks younger, quicker, and more dangerous.

Whitecaps coach Jesper Sorensen dismissed past results. He said earlier wins against Miami are not indicators for the final. “It almost seems like it was last season, right?” Sorensen commented on Thursday. “It’s a new game. Two teams will approach it their own way. We will see who wins on Saturday.”

Messi’s Confidence and Home Advantage

Messi has maintained a low profile in MLS. He told ESPN Argentina that home support will be crucial. “We’re in a very good moment,” Messi stated. “The team is solid and excited. Playing at home is a plus. We were inconsistent earlier. We struggled to win consecutive games. But at home, we always stayed strong.”

Müller: A Familiar Adversary

Müller will be a familiar face on the opposing side. He holds a rare winning record against Messi. Müller has seven victories in their ten previous encounters.

This includes the 2014 World Cup final in Rio. It also features Bayern Munich’s 8-2 win over Barcelona in 2020. “I look back in the past,” Müller reflected. “I feel very comfortable with that. Those are already in the books. I had great experiences in those games. It was fun. But it doesn’t matter for Saturday; it’s a new game.”