Lionel Messi is preparing for his first MLS Cup final as Inter Miami face the Western Conference champions, Vancouver Whitecaps. Reflecting on the matchup, Messi said he was excited to face Thomas Müller, whose arrival in Vancouver has added a new layer of intrigue to the league and the final.
Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano didn’t mince words ahead of Saturday’s MLS Cup final against Vancouver, calling it a “do-or-die” moment and demanding the hunger that has defined his team this season. With Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba set for their final match, Miami arrive at the title stage seeking redemption and their first league trophy.
Tadeo Allende struggled early, but his hot streak has arrived at the perfect time - and Inter Miami may need him more than ever in their push for MLS Cup.
Lionel Messi and Thomas Müller strolled into the final, but the semifinals still left us plenty to unpack - including fresh questions about Hirving ‘Chucky’ Lozano’s future in San Diego.
U.S. international Brian White sent a timely reminder of his quality, powering the Vancouver Whitecaps to their first MLS Cup final with a first-half brace. His early impact guided a commanding 3-1 win over San Diego FC, a match effectively settled before halftime as Jesper Sørensen’s side overwhelmed Mikey Varas’ team and added an own goal via Pablo Sisniega.
Inter Miami crushed New York City FC 5-1 to win the Eastern Conference title and reach the first MLS Cup final in club history. After the match, manager Javier Mascherano praised the team’s unity, calling them an “unbreakable group” and crediting the players for believing in the project. The Herons now await the Western Conference champion.
No one expected Vancouver to contend MLS Cup when they were put up for sale at the start of the season, but they might be the team best equipped to win it
Inter Miami aim to defend home turf against NYCFC, while San Diego visit Vancouver in two finely poised conference finals. GOAL’s writers break down both matchups.
GOAL’s writers found no shortage of drama in the Conference semis, highlighted by Messi’s Miami rolling on and Son Heung-min’s LAFC crashing out in dramatic fashion.
Ex-Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min scored a superb free-kick in the 95th minute of LAFC's MLS playoff defeat against Thomas Muller's Vancouver Whitecaps. The South Korea international scored twice in the second half to bring his side back in the game after the Whitecaps took a 2-0 lead in the first half, only to lose on penalties.
Vancouver Whitecaps
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