Thomas Müller Issues Playful Warning to Lionel Messi Ahead of Potential MLS Showdown

German soccer icon Thomas Müller has officially joined Major League Soccer (MLS), adding another high-profile name to the league's growing roster of international stars. In his debut for his new team, Müller made an immediate impact, scoring a goal and showcasing the form that has made him a legend at Bayern Munich and with the German national team.

Known for his charismatic presence on and off the field, Müller wasted no time engaging with MLS's biggest star, Lionel Messi. Reflecting on their past encounters, Müller humorously admitted he wasn't sure why he historically held an edge over the Argentine maestro. With a playful grin, he quipped, "I will hunt you again."

A Storied Rivalry

The rivalry between Müller and Messi dates back years, with the German holding a remarkable record of seven wins in their eight official meetings. Among the most memorable victories are Germany's triumph over Argentina in the 2014 FIFA World Cup final and Bayern Munich's emphatic 8-2 victory over Messi's Barcelona in the 2019-20 Champions League quarterfinals.

Mutual Respect

Despite their competitive history, Müller holds Messi in the highest regard, even declaring him the greatest player of all time. "For me, Messi is the greatest player that we have in this game," Müller said. He further explained that while he once favored Cristiano Ronaldo in the GOAT debate, Messi's World Cup victory and his unique playing style altered his perspective. "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," he added.

MLS Impact and Future Clash

Müller's arrival is expected to bolster his new team, Vancouver, which is currently enjoying a strong season—third in the MLS Western Conference and semifinalists in the Concacaf Champions Cup. Meanwhile, Messi's Inter Miami sits sixth in the Eastern Conference but has games in hand to climb the table.

A potential showdown between Müller and Messi this season would require both teams to reach the MLS Cup final, a tantalizing prospect for soccer fans. With both stars likely to remain in the league next season, the anticipation for a direct clash between these two legends continues to grow.