Thomas Müller does not accept the role of victim against Leo Messi before the MLS Cup final

T he big final of the MLS Cup is coming and the atmosphere is already heating up with statements that raise the tension. Thomas Muller , one of the most striking signings in North American soccer in recent months, made it clear that he is not willing for the Whitecaps to be treated as a filler team in the duel against Inter Miami . The match will be played on Saturday, December 6 at Chase Stadium , home of Lionel Messi's team, in what will be the first MLS final for both franchises.

The clash also represents a new chapter in an elite rivalry that this time moves outside Europe, with Messi and Müller meeting for the first time at club level on American soil.

Müller challenges Inter Miami's favoritism

Far from adopting a conservative discourse, Muller hinted that, although the odds are not in their favor, the Whitecaps are not mentally defeated . In an ironic tone, he spoke of reduced percentages of victory, but insisted that "there is an opportunity" to win. This mentality reflects the spirit with which Vancouver is facing the final, especially after having eliminated Inter Miami in the Concacaf Champions Cup during the spring.

Messi described the clash as a high-level one and said he expects an extremely demanding match. The forward also stressed that these types of duels help to raise the profile of MLS, by bringing together historic figures from world soccer in a final that promises to be special.

Both footballers have faced each other in the past in European competitions, with a historical advantage for Muller, and now they meet again on the biggest stage of American soccer, where only one will be able to stay with the glory.