MLS Final Showdown: Müller’s Injury Concerns Loom as Messi Aims for Another Title
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – The MLS Cup final is set for Saturday, pitting Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami against Thomas Müller’s Vancouver Whitecaps, with both soccer icons facing contrasting preparations ahead of the championship match. While Messi is maintaining a low profile, Müller is battling a tendon injury that threatens his participation, according to reports. The match will be broadcast live on AZ live ticker, as there is no broadcast on free TV.
Inter Miami finished third in the Eastern Conference with 65 points (81 goals scored, 55 conceded), while Vancouver secured second place in the Western Conference with 63 points (66 goals scored, 38 conceded). Miami advanced to the final with victories over Nashville FC (3-1, 1-2, 4-0), FC Cincinnati (4-0), and New York City FC (5-1). Vancouver eliminated FC Dallas (3-0, 1-1/4:2 on penalties), Los Angeles FC (2-2, 4:3 on penalties), and San Diego FC (3-1).
Should Vancouver win, Müller stands to receive a bonus of 300,000 euros, potentially adding a 36th title to his career.However, FIFA does not recognize MLS conference titles as official championships, meaning Müller’s Western Conference title will not be added to his official trophy count.
Müller was substituted in the 61st minute of the Western Conference final against San Diego FC due to the ongoing thigh injury. He is currently undergoing treatment and is not participating in full training sessions as a precaution to ensure his fitness for the final. In contrast, Messi is reportedly avoiding all public media appointments in the lead-up to the game.
