Why Messi has revenge on his mind

On 13 July 2014, Thomas Müller became a world champion in Brazil after Germany defeated Lionel Messi’s Argentina 1–0 thanks to Mario Götze’s extra-time goal. More than eleven years later, fate has brought them together again in a final, a scenario that seemed highly unlikely at the time. Few would have imagined Messi in Miami and Müller in Vancouver, both competing for a title.

Time gave Argentina another chance at Qatar 2022. On that occasion, the Albiceleste finally cemented Messi’s status as one of the greatest players in the world. Now, both arrive as world champions, Champions League winners, and owners of long lists of individual achievements, but with the chance to do it again in North America.

For Messi, it is a rematch. Beyond his negative record of seven defeats and only three victories, there is also the bitter memory of Miami’s elimination in the Concacaf Champions Cup semi-finals against the same Whitecaps side he will face again.

The star believes he has debts to settle. For Messi, this would not only be the crowning achievement of a dream season for the former Barcelona player. Winning the MVP award and his first MLS Cup title could mark his moment to conquer North America months before the World Cup in the United States.

“It is wonderful that he has come to the United States and what he means to Vancouver, and that we can see that in this final. We have faced Vancouver before and we know they are a very tough opponent. And Müller joining this team makes it even better. It is going to be a great final, and we hope it goes our way,” Messi said on Apple TV before the match.

“Right now, the MLS Cup is number one. The moment I am experiencing this Saturday with the MLS Cup final is the most important moment because it is the closest final I have come to. I have played in many finals, but for me, this is the most important one in my career,” Thomas Müller said in an interview with MLS.

The Barcelona connection is also present at Chase Stadium. It will be Messi’s last dance with Busquets, Jordi Alba, Luis Suárez, and Javier Mascherano.

“Well, it would be very nice, for me and for them, to win a title in the best way possible. It would be a very nice memory for them. To add one more and retire on a high note, and to say goodbye to the United States with a title would be something very special,” Messi added.

Inter Miami arrive after a 5–1 victory over NYCFC, with a hat-trick from Tadeo Allende and a superb performance from Messi, who provided three assists. The Whitecaps also won away from home, defeating San Diego FC 3–1 in the Western Conference final with a brace from Brian White.

Possible lineups for MLS Cup

Inter Miami: Rocco Ríos Novo, Marcelo Weigandt, Maximiliano Falcón, Sergio Busquets, Noah Allen, Jordi Alba, Mateo Silvetti, Rodrigo de Paul, Baltasar Rodríguez, Tadeo Allende, Lionel Messi

Whitecaps: Yohei Takaoka, Tate Johnson, Ralph Priso, Mathías Laborda, Édier Ocampo, Sebastian Berhalter, Andrés Cubas, Ali Ahmed, Emmanuel Sabbi and Brian White.

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