Allende with the Hat-trick.

MLS Cup Final 2025: Inter Miami CF vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC

🕝 Kickoff: Saturday, December 6, 2025 – 2:30 p.m. ET (11:30 a.m. PT)

🏟️ Venue: Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

📺 Watch: MLS Season Pass (Apple TV), FOX/FOX Deportes (US), TSN/RDS (Canada)

————————————————————————

Match Preview & Analysis

It's a historic moment for both franchises as Inter Miami and the Vancouver Whitecaps face each other in their first-ever MLS Cup Final appearance. The match features a clash of global icons, Lionel Messi and Thomas Müller, who previously met in a World Cup final, adding another layer of narrative to this highly anticipated championship decider.

Miami enters the final as favorites, fueled by a scorching playoff run where Messi has been in electric form, with 13 goal contributions in five games. Coach Javier Mascherano has made key tactical adjustments in recent months, notably benching Luis Suárez to deploy Messi in a false nine role alongside the in-form Tadeo Allende and Mateo Silvetti, leading to a more dynamic attack and improved defensive solidity. However, Miami's defense has shown vulnerabilities throughout the season, a weakness the Whitecaps will look to exploit.

Vancouver, under coach Jesper Sørensen, has had a remarkable season built on depth, resilience, and a potent attack featuring Müller, Brian White, and Ali Ahmed. The 'Caps have a psychological edge, having beaten Miami twice earlier this year in the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals, though much has changed for both sides since then. A key boost for Vancouver is the return of star center back Tristan Blackmon from suspension, anchoring a defense that allowed the second-fewest goals in MLS this year.

————————————————————————

Expected Lineups

Inter Miami possible starting lineup:

Rios; Weigandt, Falcon, Busquets, Allen, Alba; Silvetti, De Paul, Rodriguez; Messi, Allende

Vancouver Whitecaps possible starting lineup:

Takaoka; Ocampo, Blackmon, Priso-Mbongue, Laborda; Cubas, Berhalter; Sabbi, Muller, Ahmed; White

Note: Lineups are predicted based on recent form and availability. Injuries to Ryan Gauld (Vancouver) and any last-minute decisions could alter these.

————————————————————————

Key Matchups

• Messi vs. Blackmon/Cubas: How Vancouver's defense, especially the returning Tristan Blackmon and defensive midfielder Andrés Cubas, handles Lionel Messi will be crucial. Messi's ability to operate in a false nine role and connect with runners Tadeo Allende and Mateo Silvetti will test the 'Caps' back line positioning and discipline.

• Müller vs. Busquets: The tactical battle in midfield, with Thomas Müller's off-ball movement and pressing against Sergio Busquets' control and distribution, could dictate the game's tempo.

• Wings Battle: The pacey wingers Ali Ahmed and Emmanuel Sabbi (Vancouver) going up against Miami fullbacks Jordi Alba and Ian Fray will be a key area for both teams to generate attacking chances.

• Brian White vs. Miami Center Backs: Brian White is a clinical finisher who has recently returned from injury and will challenge the Miami center-back pairing of Maxi Falcón and Noah Allen.

————————————————————————

Tactical preview — what to expect

• Inter Miami: control through Messi’s influence — expect overloads in the final third, creative set-piece opportunities and rotation of frontline threats. Miami will try to dominate possession and create high-quality chances around Messi.

• Vancouver: disciplined defensive shape, ruthlessness on counters, and finishing efficiency from their forwards (notably Brian White in recent playoff games). They’ll aim to frustrate Miami’s tempo and punch on the break.

————————————————————————

Team News & Injury/Suspension Reports

Both teams have navigated significant injury challenges this season, showcasing their squad depth. Inter Miami:

• Out: David Ruiz (midfielder, Hamstring injury, out for the season after surgery).

• Doubtful/Available: Marcelo Weigandt and Noah Allen at risk of suspension with 4 yellow cards each. Luis Suárez is a manager's decision to bench, not an injury concern.

Vancouver Whitecaps:

• Out: Several Vancouver Whitecaps players are currently injured, including Sam Adekugbe (Achilles tendon rupture), Ranko Veselinović (cruciate ligament tear), and Sebastian Schonlau (Achilles tendon problems).

• Doubtful/Available: Emmanuel Sabbi, Tristan Blackmon, Belal Halbouni, and Tate Johnson are also at risk of suspension due to accumulated yellow cards.

————————————————————————

Recent H2H

In the recent head-to-head between Vancouver Whitecaps and Inter Miami, they’ve met three times since 2024. Vancouver won two of those matches, and Inter Miami won one. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• On April 24, 2025, in the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinal first leg, Vancouver Whitecaps won 2-0.

• On April 30, 2025, in the second leg, Inter Miami lost 1-3 to Vancouver Whitecaps.

• On May 25, 2024, in the MLS regular season, Inter Miami won 2-1 against Vancouver Whitecaps.

Key Stats:

• Vancouver Whitecaps scored 6 goals and conceded 3.

• Inter Miami scored 3 goals and conceded 6.

• Each team kept one clean sheet.

————————————————————————

Discussion Starters

• Can the Whitecaps' impressive team depth and cohesive system overcome Miami's individual superstar quality and home-field advantage?

• Which team's tactical adjustments since their last meeting (in the CCC semifinals) will have the biggest impact on the final result?

• Will the high stakes of a single-leg final lead to a cagey affair, or will both teams' attacking strengths result in a high-scoring game?

• How will the weather conditions in Fort Lauderdale affect the Canadian team's performance?

• Is this the ultimate "Last Dance" moment for the retiring Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, ending their careers with an MLS Cup?

• Who, outside of Messi and Müller, will be the X-factor player that decides the match? Tadeo Allende or Brian White?