Since the Argentinean joined Inter Miami in 2023, he has been the main attraction both at home and on the road, and the World Cup champion has seldom disappointed the team.
Whitecaps lead in head-to-head record
Now he and his teammates are on the verge of making more history as they get ready to face Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS final - both teams' first-ever appearance in this showcase.
One of the players blocking Messi's path is former Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller, whose contribution to his new club is also significant.
Indeed, the Whitecaps hold the upper hand in victories, having defeated the Flamingos both home and away in the Concacaf Champions Cup semi-finals earlier this year.
Inter’s sole victory against this rival was in May 2024, but considering their scoring form in the playoffs, Messi and his teammates may feel confident.
Evenly matched throughout the regular season
Regarding regular-season performance, both sides were quite balanced.
The Flamingos finished third in the Eastern Conference with 19 wins, eight draws, and seven losses from 34 games, achieving a goal difference of +26 and accumulating 65 points.
The Whitecaps won 18 out of 34 Western Conference matches, drew nine, and lost seven. They ended second with 63 points and a goal difference of +28.
It’s notable that Vancouver never dropped below third place all season, while Inter experienced fluctuations and even fell to eighth at one point.
Remarkably, Inter scored four or more goals in six of their last eight games, while the Blue and White have won two of their last six matches by a narrow margin and two more through penalty shootouts.
More than just Messi to watch
Although Messi has scored 35 goals in 33 MLS matches this season—more than anyone else—along with 26 assists, and leads in shots taken (173), shots on target (79), and chances created (93), it is not only La Pulga that Inter’s rivals should focus all their attention on.
Tadeo Allende has been outstanding in the playoffs, and his hat-trick against New York City helped Inter reach the final.
His eight goals in five playoff games have tied the league record for a single postseason, and he has also contributed two assists in those matches.
Home advantage could be crucial for Javier Mascherano and his team. In 19 MLS games at Chase Stadium in 2025, Inter won 12, drew four, and lost just three. Additionally, eight of their last nine home games ended in victory for the hosts.
Impressive statistics
Inter’s 98 goals in 39 total matches this season are the highest of any team in either conference, as are their 23 total wins.
Both teams tend to score most of their goals in the 15 minutes before halftime, although Inter also matches their 20-goal tally in that period during the final stages of matches.
However, this is also when the Flamingos are most vulnerable defensively and concede the most goals.
The Whitecaps have had inconsistent away performances, but only seven losses place them among the top three teams in either division for away results.
Vancouver scores heavily in the final 15 minutes of matches, but that same period—from 75 to 90+ minutes—is also their weakness, conceding 11 goals.
Muller prepared for the test
They will rely on Brian White to add to his 18-goal season alongside Muller, who will undoubtedly share his expertise on how to frustrate the opposition. The German is certainly not intimidated by facing a team recently hailed as the best in MLS history.
"I think this game is fantastic… Two teams with very attractive and stylish ways of playing. So yes, in my view, a perfect final," Muller said during the pre-match press day.
"I’m grateful to be part of it. This Cup is why we are here, and we want to bring it home. It’s the first time in a long while, and we are very excited."
Muller, who has previously won finals against Messi, knows football romantics worldwide will want to see Messi and his former Barcelona teammates Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez lead a team to victory once more.
A farewell for Busi and Alba
It will also mark the final matches in the careers of both Busquets and Alba.
Still, spoiling the celebration should provide enough motivation for every Whitecaps player on the night, especially Sebastian Berhalter, who can cause trouble in Inter’s half if given space on the ball.
The midfielder’s 12 assists highlight his importance and give another reason for Inter not to become complacent. The Whitecaps also boast an impressive scoring streak, having scored in their last 17 consecutive games. They always find a way.
David Ruiz and Ryan Sailor will be absent for the hosts, while Vancouver will miss Tristan Blackmon, Belal Halbouni, Sam Adekugbe and Ranko Veselinovic. Let the battle begin!
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