Thomas Muller admits he 'wished' to play against Lionel Messi's Inter Miami in the MLS Cup final

Vancouver Whitecaps icon Thomas Muller has revealed that his wish has come true as they will lock horns with Lionel Messi and Inter Miami in the MLS Cup final. The German's team defeated San Diego FC in the Western Conference final, while the Argentine's team defeated New York City in the Eastern Conference final.

Thomas Muller wants to play against Lionel Messi led Inter Miami

In a chat with Apple TV after the win, Muller said he is wary of facing Lionel Messi and Inter Miami, as they are a tough opponent that displayed their depth in beating New York City FC. He said:

"I know you want to talk about history, maybe for Apple TV it would be nice if I said a tough line or anything else. But, I enjoy watching him and I have the feeling that Inter Miami is a very strong team. We saw them today beating New York [City FC] in quite a really strong manner. Yea, I think it's a big final. I wish for this final. Here we go! Here we go! I think it is great for everyone."

In another post-game interview, Muller insisted that the MLS Cup final was not a Messi vs Muller show and said:

"It's not about Lionel Messi against Thomas Müller, it's Miami against the Whitecaps. Maybe they rely a little bit more on him than we do on me, because we are such a good group, you know what I mean? The nice thing about it is not only playing against the greatest player who played our game and is still playing our game, it's more that, I think, when you have a pairing like this, more people are watching,. If more people are watching, the value also for you as a player, as an individual, also for your team and also for your franchise, is way bigger."

Lionel Messi's poor records against Thomas Muller

Lionel Messi has managed to claim three wins of his 10 meetings with Thomas Muller. The Argentine has just one win against the German icon in his club career, and they will face off for the first time with their MLS sides.

Javier Mascherano gives verdict after Lionel Messi-led Inter Miam win Eastern Conference title

Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano has appreciated his players for their commendable unity and form over the last two months after their 5-1 win against New York City FC. Lionel Messi and company won the MLS Eastern Conference title at the Chase Stadium, ensuring they qualified for the MLS Cup final in the club's history.

Mascherano said:

“One always imagines the best when thinking about games - being able to play a great match, dominate, create clear chances. We knew it would be difficult. New York didn’t create chances, and until the 60th minute or so, they were still alive.”

He added:

"The credit is theirs. I’d highlight the last two months - they’ve been incredible. But the merit goes to the players for convincing themselves of where we wanted to go. We’ve reached the end of the season with a brotherhood inside the team, everyone pulling in the same direction, and the power of a group is unbreakable. We’re on the verge of playing the game we dreamed of, at home, with our people.”

Inter Miami will lock horns with the Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS Cup final on December 6. The latter defeated the Herons 5-1 on aggregate earlier this season, eliminating them from the CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-finals.