Sophia
Few players in the history of football can claim to have had as much success against Lionel Messi as Thomas Müller. Now, with the German legend joining the MLS, a potential reunion with the Argentine superstar has ignited a familiar rivalry, albeit with a playful twist.
Müller’s Instant Impact and Amusing Threat
Thomas Müller, the latest European icon to grace Major League Soccer, has wasted no time making his presence felt. Joining Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Müller scored on his first start, demonstrating the class that made him a Bayern Munich and Germany legend. But it wasn’t just his on-field performance that caught attention; Müller quickly issued a lighthearted, yet pointed, warning to the league’s biggest draw, Lionel Messi.
In an interview with MLS, Müller reflected on his remarkable record against Messi, admitting he doesn’t fully understand the secret to his success. Then, with a mischievous grin, he delivered the memorable five-word declaration: “I will hunt you again.”
A History of Dominance: Müller vs. Messi
Müller’s confidence stems from a truly exceptional head-to-head record against Messi. He has emerged victorious in an astounding seven out of eight official encounters. These include some of the most iconic matches of the last decade:
- 2014 FIFA World Cup Final: Germany’s triumph over Argentina, a defining moment in Müller’s international career.
- 2019–20 Champions League Quarterfinals: Bayern Munich’s historic and ruthless 8–2 demolition of Barcelona, a result that sent shockwaves through European football.
From Rival to Admirer: Müller’s Evolving View of Messi
Despite his historical dominance, Müller holds immense respect for Messi, even going so far as to declare him the greatest player of all time (GOAT). This sentiment marks a shift from his earlier stance.
“For me, Messi is the greatest player that we have in this game,” Müller stated. “I think my first 10 years as a professional player I always went for Cristiano [Ronaldo] if there was a GOAT debate. Now I’m a little bit older, a little bit more romantic. I go more for the style than only the performance, the work ethic. After Messi won the World Cup with Argentina, I go for him.”
MLS Playoff Implications and a Dream Final
Müller’s arrival significantly boosts Vancouver Whitecaps FC, who are enjoying an impressive 2025 season. They currently sit third in the MLS Western Conference standings. Earlier this year, they even eliminated Messi’s Inter Miami in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals, adding another chapter to the indirect rivalry.
Inter Miami, however, has also found their stride. The Herons are in the 2025 Leagues Cup final and hold sixth place in the MLS Eastern Conference with three games in hand. The prospect of a direct Müller vs. Messi clash this season hinges on both teams reaching the ultimate stage: the MLS Cup final. Such a matchup would be a dream come true for football fans across North America.
Both players are expected to continue their MLS journeys, with Messi set to renew his contract and Müller holding a Designated Player option for 2026. This means the tantalizing prospect of these two legends meeting on the pitch will likely extend into next season, promising more thrilling encounters for fans of Major League Soccer.
Roberto Casillas is a Sports Illustrated FC freelance writer covering Liga MX, the Mexican National Team & Latin American players in Europe. He is a die hard Cruz Azul and Chelsea fan.
