Inter miami and Vancouver Whitecaps Set to Clash in MLS Cup 2025
FRISCO, TEXAS – Inter Miami CF will face the Vancouver Whitecaps in the 2025 MLS Cup, marking a historic final possibly representing the last match together for Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and jordi Alba. The match will be played at toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, on December 6, 2025.
This year’s MLS Cup final pits the reigning Leagues Cup champions, Inter Miami, against a Vancouver Whitecaps side that has steadily improved throughout the season. Miami reached the final after a dramatic playoff run, culminating in a 3-1 victory over NYCFC in the Eastern Conference Final. Vancouver secured their spot with a 2-1 win against the LA Galaxy in the Western Conference Final.
Inter Miami’s success has been largely fueled by the arrival of Messi, Busquets, and Alba, though the club’s defensive improvements throughout the season have been crucial.Tactical adjustments,including playing right back over Marcelo Weigandt when healthy and utilizing Maxi Falcon and Noah Allen as the preferred center back pairing,substantially bolstered Miami’s defence,addressing a weakness that plagued the team in 2024.
for Busquets, 37, and Alba, 36, the MLS Cup final represents the culmination of storied careers. Both players announced their retirement following the 2025 season. Busquets, a product of Barcelona’s La Masia academy, played 722 times for Barcelona, winning 32 trophies during his 15 years at the Camp Nou. He also earned 143 caps for Spain, winning the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European Championship. Alba, also a La Masia graduate, enjoyed an 11-year spell with Barcelona, winning six La Liga titles and one Champions League, as well as the 2012 European Championship with Spain.
“It’s clear that we know, I think subconsciously,” head coach javier Mascherano said on Nov. 9. “Nobody says it. Nobody comments on it. But we know that now that we’ve entered the playoffs,it’s like the flame is beginning to extinguish,no?”
Both players were instrumental in Miami’s victory over NYCFC,with Alba providing two assists and Busquets contributing one – though he didn’t receive official credit for a long ball that led to a goal.
