Thomas Müller, the German soccer icon and Bayern Munich legend, has taken Major League Soccer (MLS) by storm since joining Vancouver Whitecaps FC. The 35-year-old forward wasted no time making his mark, scoring in his first start for the club and issuing a cheeky warning to MLS’s biggest star, Lionel Messi: “I will hunt you again,” Müller declared with a grin in an MLS interview.
Müller’s bold five-word message is backed by an impressive track record against the Argentine maestro. The German has triumphed in seven of eight competitive matches against Messi, including unforgettable victories like Germany’s 2014 FIFA World Cup final win over Argentina and Bayern Munich’s jaw-dropping 8–2 demolition of Barcelona in the 2019–20 UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. While Müller admitted he’s unsure of the exact reasons for his success against Messi, his confidence is unmistakable.
Despite his competitive edge, Müller was full of admiration for his longtime rival, calling Messi the greatest player of all time. “For me, Messi is the greatest player that we have in this game,” Müller said. Reflecting on his evolving perspective, he added, “My first 10 years as a professional, I always went for Cristiano [Ronaldo] in the GOAT debate. Now I’m a little bit older, a little bit more romantic. I go more for the style than just performance or work ethic. After Messi won the World Cup with Argentina, I go for him.”
Müller’s arrival has electrified Vancouver Whitecaps, who are enjoying a stellar 2025 season. Currently third in the MLS Western Conference, the Whitecaps have already proven their mettle by knocking out Messi’s Inter Miami in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals. With Müller’s flair and experience, Vancouver’s prospects look brighter than ever as they aim for MLS Cup glory.
Meanwhile, Inter Miami has found its rhythm as the season progresses. Sitting sixth in the Eastern Conference with three games in hand, the Herons have reached the 2025 Leagues Cup final and are poised for a strong playoff push. With Messi expected to extend his contract and Müller holding a Designated Player option for 2026, the stage is set for more epic battles between these soccer titans in the MLS.
The tantalizing possibility of a Müller-Messi showdown looms large, but it would likely require a Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Inter Miami matchup in the MLS Cup final. Fans can only dream of such a clash, pitting Müller’s relentless pursuit against Messi’s mesmerizing brilliance. As the 2025 season unfolds, the soccer world eagerly awaits the next chapter in this legendary rivalry.