Ever since the Argentinian joined Inter Miami back in 2023, he's been the big draw both home and away, and the World Cup winner has rarely let the side down.
Whitecaps hold the H2H advantage
Now he and his teammates sit on the cusp of more history as they prepare to face Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS final - both sides' first-ever appearance at the showpiece.
One of the players standing in Messi's way is former Bayern Munich ace Thomas Muller, whose impact for his new club also can't be overlooked.
Indeed, the Whitecaps hold the advantage in terms of wins, after beating the Flamingos both home and away in the Concacaf Champions Cup semi-finals earlier this year.
Inter's only win against this opponent came back in May 2024, though given their scoring form in the playoff rounds, Messi and Co. might well fancy their chances.
Evenly matched during the regular season
In terms of regular-season form, both teams were fairly evenly matched.
The Flamingos finished third in the Eastern Conference with a balance of 19 wins, eight draws and seven losses from their 34 games, coupled with a goal difference of +26 and 65 points earned.
The Whitecaps won 18 of their 34 Western Conference games, drawing nine and losing seven. They finished second on 63 points and with a goal difference of +28.
It's also worth pointing out that Vancouver never fell below third position in the entire season, whilst Inter had a number of peaks and troughs during the campaign and fell to eighth position at one point.
Incredibly, Inter's last eight games have seen them score four or more goals on six occasions, whilst the Blue and White have won two of their last six by the odd goal and two more via penalty shoot-outs.
Not just Messi to keep an eye on
Although Messi has 35 goals from 33 MLS games this season - no one has more - as well as 26 assists, and has taken the most shots (173), had the most on target (79) and created the most chances (93), it isn't just La Pulga that Inter's opponents should be concentrating all of their efforts upon.
Tadeo Allende has been sensational in the playoffs, and his hat-trick against New York City helped Inter to make it to the final.
Eight goals in five playoff matches in total have seen him tie the league record in a single postseason, and he's also provided two assists in those matches.
Home advantage might also be key for Javier Mascherano and his squad. In 19 MLS games played at Chase Stadium in 2025, Inter won 12, drew four and lost only three. Eight out of the last nine home matches have all ended with a victory for the hosts, too.
Sensational numbers
Inter's 98 goals in 39 total matches this season are the most of any side in either division, as are their 23 total wins.
Both teams tend to score the majority of their goals in the 15 minutes leading into half-time, though Inter can match their 20-goal output from that window in the latter stages of games as well.
However, that's also the period of the game when the Flamingos are at their most vulnerable in terms of conceding goals.
The Whitecaps' away form has been patchy at best, but just seven defeats put them in the top three teams in either division in this regard.
Vancouver comes on strong in terms of goals in the final quarter hour of matches, but that period between 75 and 90+ minutes also happens to be their Achilles Heel (11 goals conceded).
Muller ready for the challenge
They'll look to Brian White to extend his 18-goal season alongside Muller, who'll surely impart all of his knowledge as to how best to frustrate the opponent. The German certainly isn't overawed at the prospect of facing a team that has been talked about recently as the best in MLS history.
"I think this match is great… Two teams with a very attractive and good-looking playing style. So yeah, a perfect final in my opinion," Muller said at the pre-match media day.
"I’m appreciative to be a part of it. And this Cup, it’s why we are here, and we want to bring him home. First time in a long time, but we’re very excited."
Muller, who has been on the winning side in finals against Messi before now, will understand that football romantics the world over will want to see Messi and his former Barcelona teammates Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez take a team to glory one more time.
A swansong for Busi and Alba
Not to mention that it will be the final games in the careers of both Busquets and Alba.
However, spoiling the party should be enough of a motivator for every Whitecaps player on the night, particularly Sebastian Berhalter, who, if allowed to get on the ball, can do some damage in Inter territory.
The midfielder's 12 assists are an acknowledgement of his importance and are one more reason for Inter not to get too complacent. The Whitecaps can also boast an impressive scoring record that's seen them net in the last 17 consecutive games. They always seem to find a way.
David Ruiz and Ryan Sailor miss out for the hosts, whilst Vancouver will be without Tristan Blackmon, Belal Halbouni, Sam Adekugbe and Ranko Veselinovic. Let battle commence!
