Days before MLS Cup final, Lionel Messi makes feelings clear about facing Thomas Muller in fight for trophy

Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi has spoken about the prospect of facing regular foe Thomas Muller in the MLS Cup final on December 6th. Muller's Vancouver Whitecaps will face Inter Miami for the title of MLS champions on Saturday looking to get one over his old rival again.

Lionel Messi spoke at an interview, pointing out that he feels pleased to face the former Germany international in the final. He praised the Whitecaps for the consistency, factoring in the fact that they had eliminated them in the CONCACAF Champions Cup earlier this year.

“First of all, it is very nice that Muller has come to play in MLS and the repercussion that this represents. It’s good that this final came to be and that we can face each other again. We have already faced Vancouver, and we know what kind of team they are.

“In fact, they eliminated us in [the CONCACAF Champions Cup]. It was also a very consistent team throughout the year that finished among the top teams and competed in all competitions until the end, just as we did. And well, we know it's going to be a very, very tough game. And the addition of Muller coming to that team, makes them much better still. It brings more awareness to the game, to the team, and it will be a very, very special final, in which we hope it will be in our favor", he said (via GOAL).

Thomas Muller has faced Lionel Messi on multiple occasions for club and country in the past, with the pair last meeting as Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) players, respectively. Muller has won seven of their meetings, with Messi claiming only three wins in games against the German. Muller's victories includes the 2014 FIFA World Cup final where his Germany defeated Argentina, who were captained by Lionel Messi.

Inter Miami have struggled to measure up to Vancouver Whitecaps this year, losing 5-1 on aggregate in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. They will hope that their star power and sheer quality take them beyond their rivals in the game at Chase Stadium on Saturday.

Thomas Muller shares thoughts on Lionel Messi showdown

Vancouver Whitecaps star Thomas Muller has revealed that he is excited by the upcoming MLS Cup final against Inter Miami. The German forward embraced the match as being a clash between himself and Lionel Messi, as it has been billed in the build-up.

Muller spoke with the media ahead of the highly-anticipated meeting with Javier Mascherano's side at the Chase Stadium in Florida. He praised the style of play of both sides that will face off in the final, and expressed his appreciation at being part of a 'perfect' final.

"I think this match is great. I know you guys and the media and also MLS, it makes sense also to make a point with Messi and with myself and the bigger names, but I think it's about two teams with a very attractive and good looking playing style. It's the perfect final in my opinion. I appreciate being part of it", he said (via ESPN).

Thomas Muller joined Vancouver Whitecaps after he left Bayern Munich in the summer, and has registered nine goals and four assists in 12 appearances since. The 36-year-old had spent the entirety of his professional career with the German giants prior to moving to Canada, but has had no problems adapting to life in North America.