Vancouver Whitecaps headed to MLS Cup Final and they’ll face Messi next
It’s official, the Vancouver Whitecaps have one more game left in their Cinderella season.
The only thing that stands between them and the MLS Cup? Only Inter Miami and one of the greatest soccer players of all time.
Even though they entered the MLS Western Conference Final as underdogs, the Whitecaps scored early and never looked back.
It didn’t matter that they were missing MLS Defender of the Year Tristan Blackmon, or that they were still battling through injuries, much like they have all season.
The Caps put their foot on the gas early and were rewarded with their first MLS Cup Final berth in team history after defeating San Diego FC 3-1.
“To be part of this group is amazing, Thomas Müller said after the win. “This group deserves so much.”
Question to Thomas Müller: “What makes this Whitecaps team great?”
His answer: “Did you watch the game?” pic.twitter.com/MepzWudX1J
— Rob Williams (@RobTheHockeyGuy) November 30, 2025
“We have so many warriors, but we are also so skilled,” he said. “We have not only one very big player, but we have so many strong guys, so many qualities, and we have to bring it together.”
Müller is easily the most recognizable player on the Whitecaps, but their MLS Cup Final berth was undoubtedly a team effort.
It was Emmanuel Sabbi and Mathias Laborda who stepped up and scored against Los Angeles FC last week. Against San Diego, Brian White continued to author his most impressive season to date.
The American striker scored in just the eighth minute of the game off a setup from Andrés Cubas
Brian draws first blood 😤
📺 https://t.co/2S6nngvujy #VWFC | #MLSCupPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/xFXK06RBaY
— X – Vancouver Whitecaps FC (@WhitecapsFC) November 30, 2025
Just three minutes later, Canadian Ali Ahmed forced a San Diego own goal.
Ahmed forces an OG! 😮💨
📺 https://t.co/2S6nngvujy #VWFC | #MLSCupPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/6uTkKqGaB4
— X – Vancouver Whitecaps FC (@WhitecapsFC) November 30, 2025
Although the goal created by Ahmed would stand as the game-winner, White would score again at the tail end of the first half to really put a dagger into the hearts of San Diego fans.
Unlike their match against LAFC last week, there was no second-half drama. Still, keeper Yohei Takaoka did make a couple of big saves in the dying minutes.
“We played an amazing first half, but I’m more proud of the second half,” Müller said. “We stick a little bit more to our plan.”
“I have the feeling we are growing,” he said. “We are growing as a group, and it’s so nice to see and celebrate with these guys.”
The win sets the Whitecaps up for a dream matchup not just for Vancouver fans, but for the MLS in general.
Two of soccer’s most decorated players will face each other next week, as Müller and the Whitecaps will travel to visit Inter Miami and Lionel Messi in a battle for the MLS Cup.
“I enjoy watching him,” Müller said when asked about Messi.
“It’s a big final. I wish for this final, and here we go. I think it’s going to be great for everyone.”
Müller has played Messi 10 times in his career across Champions League and FIFA World Cup competitions. In those 10 games, Müller has won seven times. That includes the 2014 FIFA World Cup Finals, when Germany defeated Argentina 1-0.
Vancouver and Miami will play for the MLS Cup on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 11:30 a.m., with the match airing on both Apple TV and TSN in Canada.