Fort Lauderdale, FL – Inter Miami is set to face off against the Vancouver Whitecaps in the 2025 MLS Cup Final at Chase Stadium today, with Lionel Messi leading the charge for his first MLS Cup title. The game is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on FOX and available for streaming on Apple TV with MLS Season Pass.
Inter Miami enters the final with a strong attacking record, having scored 17 goals in the playoffs. Lionel Messi has been instrumental, contributing a playoff-record 13 goal contributions (6 goals and 7 assists). Tadeo Allende has also been a key player, setting a single postseason record with eight playoff goals. Mateo Silvetti has contributed with 2 goals and 3 assists since stepping into the starting lineup.
Despite Inter Miami's strong form, the Vancouver Whitecaps pose a significant threat. The Whitecaps previously defeated Inter Miami 5-1 over two legs in the Concacaf Champions Cup semi-finals. The Whitecaps' squad includes players like Brian White, Thomas Müller, Emmanuel Sabbi, and Andrés Cubas.
Inter Miami's starting eleven features Mateo Silvetti, Lionel Messi, and Tadeo Allende in the attack. The midfield consists of Baltasar Rodríguez, Sergio Busquets, and Rodrigo De Paul. The defense includes Jordi Alba, Noah Allen, Maxi Falcón, and Ian Fray, with Rocco Ríos Novo in goal. For Vancouver, the expected starting lineup includes Ali Ahmed, Brian White, and Emmanuel Sabbi in the attack; Thomas Müller, Andrés Cubas, and Sebastian Berhalter in the midfield; and Mathías Laborda, Ralph Priso, Tristan Blackmon, and Édier Ocampo in defense, with Yohei Takaoka as goalkeeper.
This match marks the 11th time Lionel Messi and Thomas Muller have faced each other in their careers. It is also potentially the final professional match for Barcelona legends Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, who announced their retirement plans in the fall.
The atmosphere at Chase Stadium is expected to be electric, with a sold-out crowd eager to see Messi lift his first MLS Cup title. However, the pressure will be on Inter Miami to perform, especially given Vancouver's previous victory over them.
Vancouver is aiming to become the first MLS Cup champion to win on the road since New York City FC in 2021. Inter Miami, on the other hand, is looking to secure their first MLS Cup title in history. A victory would mark a significant achievement for the club and further cement Messi's legacy in American soccer.
Recent reports also highlight that a Whitecaps star has accused Messi and Inter Miami of influencing referee decisions in the MLS.
As the final approaches, all eyes will be on Lionel Messi and whether he can lead Inter Miami to victory and secure another trophy in his illustrious career.
