The 2025 Major League Soccer season will culminate in a blockbuster finale as Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami host Thomas Müller’s Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS Cup Final on Saturday, 6 December.
Both sides secured convincing victories in their respective Conference Finals to book their first-ever appearances in the league’s showpiece event. Inter Miami claimed the Eastern Conference crown with a resounding 5-1 victory over New York City FC, while the Whitecaps defeated Western Conference expansion side San Diego FC 3-1.
The final at Chase Stadium promises a intriguing sub-plot, pitting two of modern football’s most decorated veterans—Messi and Müller—against one another on North American soil.
Miami Rampant as Allende Hits Hat-Trick
While the narrative naturally gravitates toward Messi, it was Tadeo Allende who stole the headlines in Fort Lauderdale. The Argentine forward netted a spectacular hat-trick to dismantle New York City FC.
Allende struck twice early in the first half to put the hosts in command. Although Justin Haak briefly reduced the deficit for NYCFC in the 37th minute, Miami’s response was emphatic. Following a missed chance by the visitors, Messi orchestrated the decisive moment, delivering a visionary assist for Mateo Silvetti to restore the two-goal cushion.
Late strikes from Telasco Segovia and Allende’s third confirmed the rout. Messi’s assist took his tally to a record-breaking 13 goal contributions (six goals, seven assists) in the 2025 playoffs.
“Leo has accustomed us to the extraordinary,” Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano said post-match. “Today, perhaps we’re surprised that he didn’t score, but he gave us peace of mind with the third goal, an assist that only he can see. He practically sealed the game.”
Whitecaps Seal West Title
In the Western Conference, the Vancouver Whitecaps continued their remarkable season under the leadership of German icon Thomas Müller. The Whitecaps dispatched San Diego FC 3-1, with striker Brian White scoring a brace and an own goal from goalkeeper Pablo Sisniega adding to the tally.
Mexico international Hirving Lozano scored a consolation for San Diego, but the contest was effectively ended when Sisniega was sent off late in the game.
Müller, who joined the Canadian side from Bayern Munich in August, played 61 minutes and has now recorded eight goals in 11 appearances. Despite the looming showdown with his longtime rival Messi, Müller was quick to deflect the focus onto the collective.
“It’s not about Messi against Thomas Müller, it’s Miami against the Whitecaps,” the 36-year-old told reporters. “Maybe they rely a little bit more on him than we do on me, because we are such a good group. The nice thing… is not only playing against the greatest player who played our game… it’s more that, I think, when you have a pairing like this, more people are watching.”
Final Context
This will be the second high-stakes meeting between the clubs this year. Vancouver previously stunned Miami in the Concacaf Champions Cup semi-finals in April, winning 5-1 on aggregate. However, with home advantage and Messi in imperious form, Miami will enter Saturday’s final as slight favorites to lift their maiden MLS Cup.
Match Snapshot
MLS Cup Final 2025
- Fixture: Inter Miami vs. Vancouver Whitecaps
- Date: Saturday, 6 December 2025
- Venue: Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale
Road to the Final:
- Inter Miami: Defeated NYCFC 5-1 (Eastern Conference Final)
- Vancouver: Defeated San Diego FC 3-1 (Western Conference Final)
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