“Thomas is a great person, a great player, and beyond that, he is always looking to improve and contribute to the team,” Laborda said when asked about Muller by Bolavip during a media session in Spanish.

After 17 fruitful seasons with Bayern Munich and holding an impressive resume with the German national team, including a World Cup win in 2014, Muller made an immediate impact in Vancouver by helping the Whitecaps reach the MLS Cup final last year.

“He also spends a lot of time sitting down to talk with us individually, trying to help us improve and grow, and I think that adds a lot to his personality as well,” Laborda added on his teammate.

This year, Muller boasts two goals in five MLS matches as the Whitecaps aim to redeem themselves from last year’s loss to Lionel Messi and Inter Miami in the decider.

Laborda looks up to Godin, Lugano

Laborda remains a key contributor for the Whitecaps in their quest for the title, with a goal and two assists in four appearances so far. When asked about his role models, the Uruguayan named iconic names from his country.

“In defense there are many; I can mention, for example, back when he played, (Diego) Godin, (Diego) Lugano himself, all the historic players of the (Uruguay) national team,” Laborda said.

Bruno Caicedo looking to make a name for himself in MLS

Behind an established player like Laborda and a veteran star like Muller, there are rising players working to earn their place. One of them is Ecuadorian winger Bruno Caicedo, who joined Vancouver in January from Barcelona SC.

Even though he’s still adjusting to the league, Caicedo has already been impressed by some players in the league, with LAFC sensation Denis Bouanga catching his eye.

“Bouanga, honestly, he is very good,” said Caicedo when Bolavip asked him about the MLS players he looks up to.

Caicedo also mentioned watching fellow countryman Allen Obando during his time with Messi’s Inter Miami in 2025: “But aside from that, I admire everyone equally: there’s Leo (Messi), Son, Thomas (Muller)—they’re players who have won everything.“

Minnesota United are in 11th place of the Western Conference right now. They have just four points in three games. However, a win could put them as high as sixth if other results help their case. It’s an important game altogether for them, so having Rodriguez available is great news.

The Vancouver Whitecaps are third winning all three games so far. In fact, they have scored eight goals and just allowed one. Hence, it’s a good defense and a top offense. Minnesota has struggled scoring just four goals while allowing five.

The Whitecaps have a star too

At 36 years old, World Cup champion Thomas Muller is still a game-changer in the MLS. Muller will start for the Whitecaps, and with him on the field, danger is always there. Muller’s high IQ allow him to still be a factor despite losing physicality. Also, he was never the fastest player, but he’s always been one of the smartest.

The Whitecaps will still not count on captain Ryan Gauld, who continues to recover from an arthroscopic debridement on his left knee. He is expected to make a full, healthy return by April. Still, the Whitecaps are a very powerful team even if Gauld doesn’t play.

James vs Muller is an incredible duel for hardcore fans

Both guys had their primes between 2013 and 2018, but both have kept what made them elite players back in the day: their brain and educated feet. James always exceled at making unseen plays thanks to his creativity and magical left foot.

Muller‘s biggest strengths have always been his mentality, game IQ, and killer instinct. Those features still remain. Both the Whitecaps and United know their chances of success come from relying on their stars.

[Watch Vancouver Whitecaps vs Seattle Sounders FC live in the USA on Fubo]

Two Western Conference contenders in MLS meet as Seattle Sounders host the Vancouver Whitecaps in a clash between clubs off strong starts. Seattle have collected six points from their first three league matches and are pushing to climb the standings.

On the other hand, Vancouver have been even sharper, winning all three games and outscoring opponents 8–1. With both teams in early-season form, this rivalry matchup has all the ingredients for a tightly contested battle.

When will the Vancouver Whitecaps vs Seattle Sounders FC match be played?

This first leg game in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup round of 16 between Vancouver Whitecaps and Seattle Sounders FC willbe played this Thursday, March 12 at 10:00 PM (ET).

Vancouver Whitecaps vs Seattle Sounders FC: Time by State in the USA

ET: 10:00 PM
CT: 9:00 PM
MT: 8:00 PM
PT: 7:00 PM

How to watch Vancouver Whitecaps vs Seattle Sounders FC in the USA

This 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup game between Vancouver Whitecaps and Seattle Sounders FC will be broadcast in the United States on Fubo. Other options: DirecTV Stream, FS2, TUDN and ViX.

This is purely a decision by manager Javier Mascherano. Suarez is on the bench, so he can be used as a substitute, but he is not playing from the start due to a coaching decision. This is the third-straight game where Suarez doesn’t start. Before those games, he had a two-game suspension. In total, this is the fifth game in a row where Inter Miami starts a game without Suarez.

Who’s replacing Suarez? Well, Lionel Messi is going back to his ‘false 9‘ ways, being the primary striker of the team, but also helping out on the creation side, and using other players as either threats or decoys to implement his game.

How has the team fared without Suarez in the last four games?

Inter Miami has played four games without Suarez in the starting lineup. The team has honestly not missed him much in most of them. While Miami lost the first game 2-1 against Nashville, after that, it’s been an offensive avalanche.

The Herons then beat Nasvhille 4-0. Cincinnati then suffered the same fate, as Inter Miami won 4-0 followed by a 5-1 dominant victory against New York City. The fact of the matter is that the team scored 18 goals in four games without Suarez. Now, why change what isn’t broken?

Will Suarez play a factor in MLS Cup final?

It’s almost a certainty that Suarez will play in the game eventually. After all, he has been subbed in the last two games. Mascherano knows Suarez is a key piece, but now he is using him as a player that can revolutionize the game. You can follow the game here.

In the end, the Herons are facing a tough team in the Vancouver Whitecaps and Thomas Muller. Hence, it’s more than likely that Suarez enters in the second half of the game.

Follow Inter Miami vs Vancouver Whitecaps in our liveblog!

Javier Mascherano’s team enters this final after crushing New York City FC 5-1 in the Conference Final. Remarkably, Messi did not score any goals in that match but did register one assist. Tadeo Allende was the star of the game, scoring a hat-trick to clinch the Eastern Conference title for Inter Miami.

On the side of Jesper Sorensen’s team, the Vancouver Whitecaps also arrive in good form for this decisive match. They have already secured the Canadian Championship title and defeated San Diego FC 3-1 to claim the Western Conference title. Now, they are pursuing their first MLS Cup in franchise history.

What happens if Inter Miami beat Vancouver Whitecaps?

Should Lionel Messi and his teammates secure a victory this afternoon at Chase Stadium, Inter Miami will be crowned champions of the 2025 MLS Cup, obtaining the first league title in their history.

What happens if Inter Miami and Vancouver Whitecaps tie?

In the event of a draw after the 90 minutes of regulation, the game will proceed to overtime, which consists of two 15-minute periods. If the score remains level after those 30 minutes, the champion will be decided via a penalty shootout.

What happens if Inter Miami lose to Vancouver Whitecaps?

If the Vancouver Whitecaps defeat Inter Miami at Chase Stadium, the Canadian teams will be crowned champions of the 2025 MLS Cup final, securing the first league title in their history.

The match started with Inter Miami taking the lead via a deflected own goal from Edier Ocampo, but Vancouver responded quickly through Ali Ahmed to level the score. Both teams traded intense attacks in a highly physical contest under the bright daylight, keeping fans on the edge of their seats throughout the first half.

In the second half, Messi’s brilliance proved decisive. His assist for De Paul put Miami back in front, and Allende’s late goal sealed the championship. The Herons showcased tactical discipline and attacking flair, while Vancouver battled valiantly but couldn’t find a second equalizer. Inter Miami are now officially MLS Cup champions.

Messi will fight against his presumed kryptonite in Muller. According to Apple TV, in 10 games where both players have faced each other, Muller has a 7-3 record over the Argentinian. That’s the best record of any player against Messi with minimum 10 games played.

The Herons come into this game after a 5-1 win against New York City FC to win the Eastern Conference Final. On the flip side, Vancouver defeated San Diego 3-1 to win the Western Conference.

Inter Miami confirmed lineup vs Vancouver

Javier Mascherano will keep his steady lineup in a 4-3-3 formation. The confirmed lineup is: Rios Novo; Fray, Falcon, Allen, Alba; Busquets, De Paul, Rodriguez; Allende, Messi, Silvetti.

Of course, this would mark a third time that striker Luis Suarez will be benched. Since serving a two-game suspension, Mascherano has benched Suarez but Inter Miami has done well with that move.

Vancouver Whitecaps confirmed lineup vs Inter Miami

The Whitecaps employ a 4-2-3-1 formation, much more modern. This is how Vancouver will line up: Takaoka; Ocampo, Priso, Blackmon, Laborda; Cubas, Berhalter; Sabbi, Muller, Ahmed; White.

Vancouver has very good transitions and Muller is scoring left and right at this point. Inter Miami has a very experienced roster but the speed is not precisely the team’s biggest strength. That’s where Vancouver could create damage.

[Watch Inter Miami vs Vancouver Whitecaps live in the USA on Fubo]

Inter Miami head into a long-awaited championship showdown with a chance to claim the club’s first MLS crown, capping a journey that has completely transformed since Lionel Messi’s arrival. This title run has been the organization’s clear mission, and now just 90 minutes stand between Miami and a historic breakthrough.

Standing in the way are the Vancouver Whitecaps—a seasoned, well-balanced group that has delivered high-level performances. With Vancouver eager to spoil the moment and Miami pushing to finish a remarkable season on top, the stage is set for a high-stakes finale that promises all the drama fans could want.

When will the Inter Miami vs Vancouver Whitecaps match be played?

Inter Miami play against Vancouver Whitecaps this Saturday, December 6, in the 2025 MLS final, with kickoff scheduled for 2:30 PM (ET).

Inter Miami vs Vancouver Whitecaps: Time by State in the USA

ET: 2:30 PM
CT: 1:30 PM
MT: 12:30 PM
PT: 11:30 AM

How to watch Inter Miami vs Vancouver Whitecaps in the USA

Tune in to Fubo to catch this 2025 MLS showdown between Inter Miami and Vancouver Whitecaps live in the USA. Other options: FOX, FOX Deportes, MLS Season Pass, DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue.

Throughout the MLS season, Messi’s impact on Inter Miami has been central to the club’s transformation from a struggling side to a legitimate contender for the league’s top prize. Vancouver, meanwhile, has surged with discipline and consistency, setting up a compelling showdown between two clubs seeking their first-ever MLS Cup triumph.

As kickoff approaches at Chase Stadium, the global storyline remains the same: all eyes are fixed on Messi’s availability and whether he will step onto the field for the biggest match in Inter Miami’s history.

Is Lionel Messi playing today?

Yes — Lionel Messi will start for Inter Miami in today’s MLS Cup Final. The Argentine star has been included in the starting XI for the 3:30 p.m. ET championship match at Chase Stadium. Both clubs are entering their first-ever MLS Cup Final, making Messi’s presence even more significant on this historic day for the league.

Inter Miami’s confirmed lineup vs. Whitecaps FC

Inter Miami will present a cohesive starting group built around Lionel Messi’s influence in the final third, blending experience, composure on the ball, and energetic movement from several emerging players.

Inter Miami’s XI: Rocco Rios Novo; Ian Fray; Maximiliano Falcon; Noah Allen; Jordi Alba; Sergio Busquets; Rodrigo De Paul; Baltasar Rodriguez; Lionel Messi; Tadeo Allende; Mateo Silvetti.

The player in question is Jordi Alba, who was fined by MLS for violating the league’s policy regarding hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent during the Conference Final against New York City FC at Chase Stadium.

“The MLS Disciplinary Committee has fined Inter Miami CF defender Jordi Alba an undisclosed amount for violating the league’s policy regarding hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent in the 22nd minute of Inter Miami’s match against New York City FC on November 29th,” the official MLS website announced in a statement.

To provide immediate relief to Inter Miami fans, the fine imposed on Jordi Alba is solely monetary, meaning his availability for Saturday’s grand final is not at risk, where the Herons will search for their first MLS Cup title in franchise history.

Jordi Alba’s major impact this season

Despite having announced his professional retirement for the end of this season, the Spanish defender has been a decisive player for Inter Miami since his arrival, standing out as one of the team’s best players throughout 2025.

During the current season, the left-back has tallied 51 matches across all competitions, recording eight goals and 16 assists. The match against the Whitecaps will be the final professional appearance for the Spanish star, leaving a huge legacy in soccer history.

Messi and Muller have faced each other 10 times across club and international competitions. The record currently favors the German star, who has won seven of those meetings, while Messi has claimed the remaining three. Their battles span more than a decade of high-stakes moments and some of the most memorable matches in modern soccer.

At the club level, all of their meetings came in the UEFA Champions League, with Muller representing Bayern Munich and Messi playing for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. In six encounters, Muller won five, including the historic 8–2 result that marked the toughest defeat of Messi’s career. Messi’s lone club victory came in the 2014–15 semifinal, a 3–0 win that eventually led Barcelona to lift the Champions League trophy.

On the international stage, the record is even at two wins each. However, the weight of those results differs significantly: Muller and Germany claimed victories in the 2010 World Cup quarterfinals and the 2014 World Cup final, while Messi and Argentina earned their wins in friendlies. In short, the German holds a commanding edge in competitive matches. Messi now looks to close that gap and cement another chapter in his legacy.

Messi’s recent record against Muller and the Whitecaps

Muller has won the last four head-to-head meetings between the two stars, and Messi’s recent record against Vancouver brings little comfort. He has faced the Whitecaps twice in his career—both in the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals—and lost both times. On Saturday, the Inter Miami captain aims to flip the script.

How did they reach the final?

On Saturday, November 30, Inter Miami secured their place in the final by winning the Eastern Conference title with a commanding 5–1 victory over New York City FC. Later that night, the Whitecaps followed suit, defeating San Diego FC 3–1 at Snapdragon Stadium, setting up another high-profile showdown between Messi and Muller.

Now, Messi and Thomas Muller meet again as rivals, this time with Inter Miami hosting the 2025 MLS Cup Final against the Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday, December 6. With another trophy at stake, the Argentine and German superstars are set to write a new chapter in one of the most compelling individual matchups of their era.