Whitecaps preparing for Messi, Miami in MLS Cup

The Vancouver Whitecaps have their sights set on Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami club in the MLS Cup Championship Game Saturday in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The game will take place at Chase Stadium, the home pitch of the Whitecaps’ opponent.

With both teams having an international star, fans are drawing comparisons between this year’s MLS clash and the FIFA World Cup final of 2014 in Rio de Janeiro.

“The World Cup is on another level as far as interest goes, so I’m not sure if the success of the local team ramps it up anymore than it already has been, but I think this run by the Whitecaps has been outstanding for the fans in this city, and quite frankly, it’s too bad Vancouver couldn’t have secured at least one more home playoff game with a bit more regular season luck,” said 1130 NewsRadio sports reporter Marcus Fitzgerald.

Thomas Muller’s and Lionel Messi’s respective teams faced each other more than 10 years ago, with Germany winning the 18-carat gold World Cup trophy.

Ultimately, Messi’s Argentina became world champions in 2022 when they beat France in Qatar’s Lusail Stadium.

When looking at the statistics between the Whitecaps and Miami, Muller’s team is also favoured.

“Messi is widely regarded by many as the best player to ever do it, and he has made an impact on the game in North America, but I just look at a player like Muller and marvel at what a terrific ambassador he’s become for the City of Vancouver in his short time here.  Muller’s been worth the investment for the Whitecaps, and I wouldn’t be surprised at all if he gets off the plane on the weekend with the Phillip F. Anschutz trophy in tow,” said Fitzgerald.

Inter Miami scored more points in regular season

Since Miami scored more points in the regular season, Messi’s team has the right to host the match.

“I think the supporters of this Whitecaps side have every reason to believe that the group can walk into Miami and pull this off. The Whitecaps shouldn’t get caught up in any Messi hype at this point either, especially when you consider that the ‘Caps dusted Miami back in April at the Concacaf Champions Cup. They’ve (Whitecaps) proven to be a fearless team that can run with anybody,” Fitzgerald added.

Different than in other major North American sport franchises, the final match of the MLS playoffs only consists of one game.

With files from Marcus Fitzgerald.