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.
Vancouver Whitecaps forward Thomas Muller has suggested that Inter Miami are too reliant on the brilliance of Lionel Messi ahead of the MLS Cup final clash between the two sides. Muller has been a revelation for the Canadian club since joining from Bayern Munich in the summer and will have to be at his best to stop old rival Messi adding another trophy to his record-breaking collection.
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.
In a match that will be remembered for years at BC Place, the Vancouver Whitecaps booked their spot in the Western Conference finals with a 2-2 (5-3 on penalties) win over Los Angeles FC. The back-and-forth clash featured a stunning Son Heung-Min equalizer, a nine-man fightback from the hosts, and, fittingly, a penalty shootout that sent the Canadian side through.
Veteran Thomas Muller, who joined Major League Soccer outfit Vancouver Whitecaps just months ago, has given a clear indication of where his future lies, with his contract expiring at the end of this year. The legendary former Bayern Munich attacking midfielder has made a great start to life in North America and is determined to bring unprecedented success at the BC Place.
U.S. international Sebastian Berhalter delivered an impressive opening spell in the Americans’ friendly against Uruguay, scoring his first national team goal from a well-placed set piece in the 17th minute. Minutes later, he set up Alex Freeman for his first international goal, assisting on a driven header to give the U.S. an early boost.
Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer has backed club legend Thomas Muller to potentially succeed him as president once his playing career in MLS concludes. Hainer revealed he personally advised Muller on a move to the United States to gain experience, emphasising that "all doors remain open" for the forward at the Allianz Arena.
U.S. international and Vancouver Whitecaps centerback Tristan Blackmon was named Major League Soccer's 2025 Defender of the Year, a reward for an unexpected breakout campaign. Blackmon, 29, spearheaded a defense that allowed just 38 goals in the regular season - second in the league. He is the first player in team history to win the award.
Legendary former Bayern Munich forward Thomas Muller has labelled Harry Kane as a striker who is more than just a goal machine, hailing the Englishman for his leadership and innate ability to feel a "sense of responsibility." The duo shared the dressing room between 2023 and 2025, before Muller began a new chapter with MLS club Vancouver Whitecaps.
Thomas Muller ended his 25-year association with Bayern Munich by joining Major League Soccer outfit Vancouver Whitecaps as a free agent over the summer. However, things could have played out a whole lot differently. Indeed, Bayern's all-time record-appearance holder admitted that he could have "imagined a future with Barcelona" had his former coach Hansi Flick called him.
Bayern Munich legend Thomas Muller has joked his post-playing career path back to the club is "already mapped out" after comments from Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. The 36-year-old, who is starring in the MLS for Vancouver Whitecaps, remains non-committal on a specific role but admits his connection to the club of his life, Bayern, remains "very, very good."
Thomas Muller continued his sensational start to life in MLS with a dramatic 97th-minute winner to defeat Orlando City. His incredible goal contribution keeps the Vancouver Whitecaps top of the Western Conference and puts them in pole position for the top seed heading into Decision Day, with his manager hailing his 'magical' impact on the title contenders.