November 30, (THEWILL) — Inter Miami will host Vancouver Whitecaps in the 2025 MLS Cup final on Saturday, December 6 at Chase Stadium, with kick-off at 8:30pm. The victor will claim the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy in a first-time final for both clubs.
Miami hammered NYCFC 5-1 in the Eastern Conference final, whilst Vancouver defeated San Diego FC 3-1 to progress. Tadeo Allende netted a hat-trick to take his postseason tally to eight goals in five matches, equalling Carlos Ruiz’s 2002 single-postseason record. Lionel Messi contributed to all 12 of Miami’s opening playoff goals before Saturday’s demolition saw the supporting cast step up.
Vancouver has enjoyed their strongest MLS campaign to date, having already won a fourth consecutive Canadian Championship. The club reached the CONCACAF Champions Cup final and recorded their best regular season finish despite firing their manager, ownership putting the team up for sale, and losing designated player Stuart Armstrong in pre-season. Thomas Müller joined in summer and contributed 10 goals and assists across 541 regular season minutes, with Vancouver losing just one of 16 matches since his debut.
The final represents the 11th career meeting between Messi and Müller, with the German holding a 7-3 advantage including Germany’s 2014 World Cup final victory over Argentina. Vancouver eliminated Miami 5-1 on aggregate in the CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-finals before Müller arrived, winning 3-1 in South Florida during the second leg.
Saturday’s match marks the final appearance for Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, who both announced their retirement after the season. Busquets, 37, made 722 appearances for Barcelona across 15 years and won 32 trophies including the 2010 World Cup. Alba, 36, claimed six La Liga titles and one UEFA Champions League with Barcelona, plus the 2012 European Championship with Spain.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
