TMajor League Soccer is gearing up for what many consider to be the most important television event since Lionel Messi joined the league. Messi’s Inter Miami and German legend Thomas Muller’s Vancouver Whitecaps face off against the Vancouver Whitecaps in the 2025 MLS Cup on Saturday afternoon, and the league hopes to use the matchup to draw large crowds.
This match will not only be an epic final for Lionel Messi, who wants to make history with Inter Miami, but also a historic moment for MLS’ television rights revenue, which has not been profitable in recent years.
At 6’5, Erling Haaland looks dwarfed next to this Belgian influencer.
MLS throws everything into the grand final
Since Lionel Messi’s historic trip to the United States in 2023, MLS has sought opportunities to maximize attendance. MLS has a huge opportunity as the final will be broadcast on Fox (free TV).
The league is under pressure to prove it can reach significant viewership, especially after its contract with Apple was restructured to expire in 2029 instead of 2032.
Messi’s commercial influence is undeniable. His number 10 jersey is the best-selling in the world, valuing Inter Miami at more than $1 billion and filling stadiums across North America. However, most of his matches are kept behind Apple’s paywall, limiting the scope of his popularity.
Inter Miami vs. Vancouver Whitecaps: Shocking final
Inter Miami arrive in great form, with Messi scoring 27 goals and providing 22 assists in his last 24 games, including six goals and seven assists in six playoff games. The Vancouver Whitecaps also want to make history with Thomas Muller and want to spoil Messi’s party.
Messi and Muller have been high-profile rivals on several occasions in the past, both at club level and with their national teams in Europe.
This rivalry will enter a new chapter, with Germany gaining the advantage. The 2014 World Cup final was the most important duel between the two sides, and luck was far from Messi’s there, but now in 2025, the number 10 is unstoppable.
