This Saturday, 288 days after the initiation of the 2025 MLS season, the journey reaches its climax with a remarkable MLS Cup: Inter Miami takes on the Vancouver Whitecaps.
This occasion signifies the maiden chance for Lionel Messi and his teammates to claim the coveted trophy that the pink-clad South Floridians have desired since acquiring the Argentina captain in the summer of 2023. Coupled with the emerging Vancouver squad, spearheaded by Germany star Thomas Müller, Major League Soccer’s premier event showcases star talent it has perhaps been lacking since David Beckham last donned an LA Galaxy jersey in 2012.
So, what will happen when the Herons face the Whitecaps? ESPN enlisted Lizzy Becherano and her colleagues from the U.S. soccer team to analyze the contest and forecast the winner of the MLS Cup.
Inter Miami vs. Vancouver Whitecaps
Saturday, 2:30 p.m. ET
Star attraction: It comes as no surprise that the MLS playoffs’ main draw remains Messi, as his performances enhance from match to match. The Inter Miami captain has netted six goals and provided seven assists throughout the five playoff contests this season, playing a crucial role in his team’s offensive creation and execution.
Although Messi failed to score in the Eastern Conference final against New York City FC, he demonstrated his danger by assisting Tadeo Allende and Mateo Silvetti. His foresight and skill in maneuvering defenders to uncover spaces in the attacking third remain unparalleled, making Messi the pivotal player to observe, regardless of his possession status. His flexible role may determine whether his ability as a facilitator or finisher surfaces against Vancouver, posing a significant challenge for the opposition and captivating to spectators.
X factor: Allende has hit top form at the most crucial juncture of the season. Hopes were high when he was loaned from LaLiga side Celta Vigo at the outset of the 2025 Major League Soccer season, with both the team and fans hoping he could fulfill roles that prior wingers couldn’t. While he struggled in the regular season, experiencing an extended period without scoring, which he later acknowledged affected his mental well-being, he is now showing his true worth.
With eight goals and two assists in five playoff games, Allende secured his first hat trick with Inter Miami during the Eastern Conference final, solidifying a 5-1 win over NYCFC. He also equaled the league record for eight goals in a single postseason. Beyond his goal involvement, Allende has figured out how to collaborate with Messi and Silvetti to generate powerful scoring chances. With his current form, the game is no longer solely about restricting Messi’s influence.
Tactical wrinkle: It’s worth noting that the Whitecaps have previously defeated Miami this season in a knockout tournament, without the pivotal Müller. Vancouver eliminated Inter in the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals in April, winning the initial leg 2-0 at BC Place and following up with a 3-1 victory at Chase Stadium. Sebastian Berhalter and Brian White played significant roles and remain essential components of the team’s playoff success.
The Whitecaps now feature Müller in their offensive setup, and he has seamlessly integrated into the Canadian team’s scheme. Head coach Jesper Sørensen knows how to strategize and execute against Inter Miami and will now do so with enhanced resources. — Becherano
Predictions
It’s hard to fathom any team successfully halting Inter Miami at this juncture following the momentum head coach Javier Mascherano has generated throughout the 2025 playoffs. The Herons have netted four or more goals in their last three postseason games and have recorded two clean sheets. Mascherano’s squad also carries the additional motivation to secure a trophy for Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets in the veterans’ concluding match of their illustrious careers. With the recent upticks in defensive performance, additional inspiration, and offensive prowess, I can’t envision even someone like Müller standing in the way of Inter Miami hoisting the MLS Cup. — Becherano
Messi rightfully captures the spotlight. It is impossible not to observe his on-field activities, which generate chances for Allende, Silvetti, Luis Suárez, and others. However, if Inter Miami clinches the championship, their defensive enhancements will be an underappreciated factor contributing to their victory. While they have conceded in three of their playoff bouts, the defense is not outstanding. Yet, with 23-year-old Rocco Ríos Novo stepping into the starting goalkeeper position and minor adjustments on the right side of defense, the back line will do just enough to ensure Messi and co. have the opportunity to create momentous scoring chances. — Jon Arnold
Inter Miami has largely dominated their way through the playoffs, particularly after overcoming the mental barrier of the first round, where they faltered in 2024. Mascherano has also employed a tactical approach — utilizing Messi as a false nine alongside Allende and Silvetti while sidelining Suárez — that has the Herons’ offensive unit thriving. Nevertheless, the Whitecaps won’t be daunted, especially having claimed victories in both legs of the Concacaf Champions Cup tie against Miami in April. Both teams have reinforced their rosters with vital additions — Müller for Vancouver, Rodrigo De Paul for Miami — and while the Caps are welcoming back Tristan Blackmon from suspension, it’s challenging to bet against Miami given their current form. — Jeff Carlisle
For the sake of the underdog narrative, I would love for the Whitecaps to emerge victorious. Exemplifying what can be achieved in MLS through a tightly-knit unit, Vancouver plays aggressively with relentless pressing and triumphed over Miami twice earlier this year. However, that was in the past. Today? Mascherano’s squad is heading into the weekend with 17 goals over five playoff matches, with Messi alone racking up 11 goal contributions during this stretch. Plus, boasting only one loss at home since June, the prediction is clear, and I would be genuinely surprised if any of my colleagues projected differently. — Cesar Hernandez
Apologies to Vancouver (who has already clinched two well-earned trophies in 2025), but I’m putting all my faith in Miami at this point. Messi approaches MLS Cup having established a league record for goal contributions in a single postseason (six goals, seven assists) and appears determined to maintain momentum. Surrounding him are retiring legends in Busquets and Alba, surely driven to capture one last trophy together. Allende also etched his name in history by netting eight postseason goals. Vancouver will contest fiercely, but this seems to be the Herons’ year. — Megan Swanick
It’s tough for me to shake the suspicion that this Miami squad is the finest in MLS history. We know the offense is legendary. In American Soccer Analysis‘ records dating back to 2013, no team has averaged more goals per game than Miami’s 2.51. The defensive improvements, however, elevate Inter Miami into «best ever» territory. Mascherano’s team has allowed 1.0 xG or fewer in all but one playoff encounter, according to FBref. Miami has often been known for late defensive lapses, yet now it appears to have formed a competent defensive unit. Combine this with a roster of all-time greats still performing well after playing the most games in a season of any MLS club, and it culminates in a team I’m simply not prepared to bet against. — Joseph Lowery
