FRISCO, TX – Thomas Müller, the veteran Bayern Munich legend now with the Vancouver Whitecaps, isn’t buying into the narrative surrounding a potential showdown with Lionel messi in Saturday’s MLS Cup final. Rather, the 36-year-old is focused on delivering a victory for his team and potentially disrupting Inter Miami‘s fairytale run to a championship.
Müller, a winner of 10 major titles with Bayern - including two Champions League and two Club World Cup trophies – downplayed the focus on a personal duel with Messi, acknowledging the media and MLS’s inclination to frame the final around their star power. “I know for you guys in the media and also MLS,it makes sense to make a point with Messi and myself and the bigger names,but it is indeed about two teams with a very attractive and good-looking playing style,” he stated during a recent media appearance with teammate Sebastian Berhalter.
The MLS Cup final presents a notable challenge for Inter Miami, as historical data suggests a strong advantage for the higher-ranked home team.Of the last 14 finals fitting that criteria, 11 have been won by the host team. Müller playfully questioned his team’s chances, asking, “What are our chances to win? 10%? 20? Or less? But there is a chance?” He expressed satisfaction when informed a chance did exist, beaming, “I am glad to hear that.”
Despite his notable track record – including a World cup title and a memorable Champions League semi-final victory over Messi’s Barcelona in 2013 – Müller emphasized that past successes won’t guarantee a win on Saturday. “When I look back, I feel very cozy as it is indeed already in the books,” he said. “I had a lot of great experiences with my teams in these games. It was fun, but it doesn’t really matter for Saturday. I don’t need my history that much to be confident.”
Müller also acknowledged a level of familiarity with Inter Miami’s players, stating, “It’s always nice to meet old friends. We are not really close, but I always watched them. They were great players – some of them still are.” The Whitecaps will need to overcome both the statistical odds and the momentum of Inter Miami to claim the MLS Cup.
