MLS Cup Showdown: Vancouver Whitecaps Set to Face Inter Miami After Triumph Over San Diego

From San Diego

Inter Miami CF, featuring Lionel Messi, will clash with the Vancouver Whitecaps and Thomas Müller in the MLS Cup final next Saturday in Fort Lauderdale. After Inter Miami decisively defeated New York City FC 5-1 earlier that same day, the Whitecaps secured a 3-1 victory against San Diego FC in front of a sold-out crowd of 35,000 at Snapdragon Stadium. Goals came from Brian White (7’ & 45’) and an own goal by Pablo Sisniega (11’), while San Diego’s Hirving Lozano netted one at 60’.

Both MLS Cup Conference finals shared some similarities. Just like Miami against NYCFC, the Whitecaps launched into action quickly, asserting control of the match from the beginning. While Miami advanced through the midfield with speed, the Whitecaps dominated San Diego by managing both possession and space near the goal. After quickly establishing a two-goal lead, the Whitecaps, similar to Miami, started to lose control of the game.

However, the comparisons stop there. Unlike Miami, which allowed NYCFC to narrow the gap before dominating the second half, the Whitecaps wrapped up the match in the first 45 minutes. Brian White scored his second goal before halftime, giving Vancouver a 3-0 lead at the break. San Diego’s hopes for a comeback were briefly reignited when Chucky Lozano scored at 60’. But those hopes were dashed in the 79th minute when goalkeeper Sisniega, who had an unfortunate own goal earlier, was sent off for fouling Ryan Gauld outside the box. Even though San Diego created a few more chances, the match felt decided at that point.

Messi vs Müller in the MLS Cup Final: “I Will Hunt You Again”

This sets the stage for an exciting final featuring the league’s two most in-form teams and two of football’s greatest legends. After a previous unsuccessful attempt, Messi has finally led Inter Miami to the MLS Cup final, while Müller has seamlessly integrated into an already strong team and is determined to achieve success. “I will hunt you again,” Müller stated in an MLS interview shortly after joining.

While Müller had a challenging semifinal against San Diego, often appearing a step behind and slipping on the pitch, his historical record against Messi is impressive. The two have faced off ten times, with Müller winning seven matches, including the memorable 2014 World Cup final and Bayern’s emphatic 8-2 triumph in the 2020 Champions League semifinal. Notably, aside from two friendly matches where Messi emerged victorious, Müller has a stronger record against him, with Messi only winning once in the 2014/15 Champions League semifinal.