India, Dec. 1 -- German football icon Thomas Muller has sparked early mind games with Lionel Messi and Inter Miami ahead of the MLS Cup final. Muller, who now plays for Vancouver Whitecaps, carries a long history of fierce battles with Messi from their clashes in European football and on the international stage. Interestingly, despite Messi being widely hailed as the GOAT, his track record against Muller's sides hasn't always been flattering, with several high-stakes duels in the past going the German's way. Messi has won on three occasions as compared to Muller's seven in head-to-head.

The long-time rivals are set to clash once more in the MLS Cup final, with Vancouver Whitecaps taking on Inter Miami. Vancouver earned their maiden MLS C...