The MLS Cup final between Inter Miami and Vancouver Whitecaps takes place this evening. Get all the team news here…
Lionel Messi can underline his impact on Inter Miami and Major League Soccer in general by helping the Florida club to their maiden MLS Cup title this evening.
The Argentine’s arrival in Miami in 2023 prompted huge interest – increasing the value of the MLS brand around the world and, more importantly, enabling fans from across the States to witness his brilliance first hand.
Messi has fulfilled his end of the bargain. He was the league MVP last season and a shoo-in to win it again after finishing the regular season with an incredible 29 goals and 19 assists in 28 games.
Facing him is another familiar face, that of Vancouver’s veteran German midfielder Thomas Muller.
“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 about two teams with a very attractive and good-looking playing style,” Muller said.
“It’s always nice to meet old friends.”
It will be a final game for Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba before retirement.
INTER MIAMI TEAM NEWS
Inter Miami’s squad remains largely unchanged. Ryan Sailor (knee) and David Ruiz (hamstring) are the only confirmed absentees.
Ian Fray comes in at right wing-back to replace Marcelo Weigandt in the only change to the side that hammered New York City FC 5-1 last week.
Messi captains the side while Alba and Busquets both start. Luis Suarez is on the bench.
Inter Miami: Rios; Fray, Falcon, Busquets, Allen, Alba; Silvetti, De Paul, Rodriguez, Messi, Allende
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS TEAM NEWS
Vancouver have a longer injury list, with Sam Adekugbe, Belal Halbouni, Daniel Rios, Sebastian Schonlau and Ranko Veselinovic all unavailable.
The return of Tristan Blackmon after suspension is a major boost, particularly given his leadership in a defence that kept 13 clean sheets this year. He comes in for Tate Johnson.
Vancouver: Takaoka; Ocampo, Blackmon, Priso, Laborda; Berhalter, Cubas, Muller; Sabbi, Ahmed, White
How to watch Inter Miami v Vancouver Whitecaps: TV channel, online stream
The MLS Cup final kicks off at 19:30 Saturday night in the UK at Chase Stadium. Fans can watch the final on Amazon Prime.
The stats for Inter Miami v Vancouver Whitecaps
- Miami have scored 98 goals across 2025 — the most in a single MLS season
- Miami have won their last 3 playoff matches by at least 4 goals
- Vancouver set club records this year for points (63), wins (18) and goals (66)
- Vancouver beat Inter Miami twice this season, home and away
- Vancouver kept 13 clean sheets — joint-highest in MLS
- Messi has 13 playoff goal involvements, a new MLS record
