Scotland's 'mini-Messi' takes on legend in MLS play-off final - how to watch Inter Miami v Vancouver Whitecaps
The Scotland midfielder could make MLS history this weekend - though a footballing superstar stands in his way.
The Major Soccer League (MLS) will have a new playoff champion this weekend, as final debutants Inter Miami and Vancouver Whitecaps face off in the showcase final in Florida this Saturday night.
Looking to add to his already impressive trophy collection, Inter Milan and Argentina legend Lionel Messi enters the game as the favourite to win the trophy, with the 38-year-old hoping to secure the Florida-based outfit’s first-ever MLS playoff win in their history.
Standing in their way are the Vancouver Whitecaps, captained by Scotland international Ryan Gauld, who are aiming to become only the second Canadian team in the history of the league to win the MLS playoff cup.
Want to ensure you don’t miss a minute of the action? Here’s where you can watch the MLS playoff cup final live on TV and streaming this weekend:
When is the MLS playoff final? Full match details
The MLS playoff final will take place at on Saturday, December 6, 2025. Kick-off is 7.30pm UK time.
Where is the MLS playoff final being played?
The final will be held at the 22,000 capacity Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the home of Inter Miami.
Inter Miami vs Vancouver Whitecaps - previous results
The sides have faced each other twice in recent memory, clashing on the Concacaf Champions Cup semi final, where the Whitecaps won 2-0 in the first-leg, and 3-1 in the second leg. However, this is the first time either side have been involved in the MLS playoff final in their history.
Who is Scotland’s mini-Messi?
Scotland international Ryan Gauld has been dubbed ‘mini-Messi’ since his teenage years, earning the nickname during his breakout season at Dundee United in 2013. Small in stature at 5ft 6in, the left-footed midfielder draws comparisons to Argentinian football legend Lionel Messi due to his vision, technical skill and playmaking abilities as a youngster, with the nickname sticking to him throughout his career.
Viewed as one of Scotland’s most promising youngsters a little over a decade ago, Gauld helped Dundee United reach the 2014 Scottish Cup final. Following this achievement, he secured a £3million move to Sporting Lisbon at the age of 18, which included a reported £60million release clause. However, he struggled to make an impact and spent the majority of his time in Portugal on loan to Vitória de Setúbal, Aves, and Hibs, before finalising a permanent transfer to Farense in 2019.
Deemed as one of the best players to have worn the jersey, Gauld found success in Canada with the Vancouver Whitecaps in 2021. Captain of the MLS outfit, he holds the Whitecaps' all-time MLS assists record, while he’s also led them to an unprecedented four straight Canadian Championships, and he has also been named the club’s player of the year in 2022 and 2023. During his time across the pond, he has picked up a new nickname, with fans and media labelling him the ‘Gauldfather’.
What has Ryan Gauld said about the MLS playoff final?
“I've seen in the past few years, the kind of build-up and the kind of show that goes on leading up to an MLS Cup, but we're just going to have to treat it like another game, like we treated tonight. And I think you could see that tonight: We came in, we just wanted to play our game. We don't play the scenario. Thomas (Muller) coming in, he's been incredible. We had a good start to the season anyway, but he's really helped take us an extra step. So hopefully we can close the deal next week.”
Inter Miami v Vancouver Whitecaps MLS playoff final TV channel
The match will not be shown live for on TV in the UK, with only streaming options available for the game.
Inter Miami v Vancouver Whitecaps MLS playoff final live stream
Currently, there are two options for those who want to stream the showcase final this weekend in the UK, with the game available via the MLS Season Pass, which is currently available on the Apple TV app for a cost of £14.99, or £12.99 if you are already an Apple TV+ subscriber. It is important to note that, starting with the 2026 season, all MLS matches will be available on Apple TV without an extra subscription.
Those who have a Bet365 account are also able to stream the game by logging into their account, and navigating to the Live In Game link at the bottom of the homepage.
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