Messi vs Müller: the open final that could change MLS history

T he Major League Soccer is gearing up for what many consider to be the most important television event since Lionel Messi joined the league. On Saturday afternoon, the 2025 MLS Cup will pit Messi's Inter Miami against the Vancouver Whitecaps , who boast German legend Thomas Muller, in a clash that the league hopes to capitalize on to reach a massive audience.

This match will not only mark an epic final for Lionel Messi, who wants to make history with Inter Miami, but it will also be a historic moment for MLS television rights earnings, something that has not been entirely beneficial in recent years.

MLS goes all-in for the grand final

Since Lionel Messi's historic arrival in the United States in 2023, MLS has sought an opportunity to maximize its audience. With the final being broadcast on Fox (free-to-air television), MLS now has its big chance.

The league is in desperate need to prove it can generate a significant number of viewers, especially after its deal with Apple was restructured to now expire in 2029 instead of 2032.

Messi's commercial impact has been undeniable: his number 10 shirt is the best-selling in the world, Inter Miami's valuation has surpassed $1 billion and he has sold out stadiums across North America. However, most of his matches have been kept behind Apple's paywall , limiting the reach of his popularity.

Inter Miami vs Vancouver Whitecaps: a high-impact final

Inter Miami arrives in top form, with Messi in dazzling form, scoring 27 goals and 22 assists in his last 24 games , including six goals and seven assists in six playoff games. The Vancouver Whitecaps, with the presence of Thomas Muller, are also looking to make history and hope to spoil Messi's party.

Both Messi and Muller have stolen the spotlight, as in the past they were rivals on several occasions, both at club level in Europe and also in their national teams.

This rivalry will have a new chapter, where the German has the advantage, with the 2014 World Cup final being the most important duel between the two and there, luck was far from Messi, but now, in 2025, the No.10 is unstoppable.