For years, cheeky remarks of Thomas Muller and light-hearted jibes directed at Lionel Messi were the hallmarks of Bayern Munich’s spirited interactions with Barcelona.
However, the soccer world has witnessed a remarkable evolution in Muller’s perspective on Lionel Messi in recent times. A series of tweets marked the transformation, displaying Müller’s newfound appreciation for the Argentine maestro.
What a great start for Lionel #Messi @InterMiamiCF 👏👍🏼 #MLS #LionelMessi https://t.co/0DXc5gZdgp
— Thomas Müller (@esmuellert_) July 22, 2023
From the heart-stopping free-kick goal that sealed Inter Miami’s victory against Cruz Azul to the masterful performance against Atlanta United that saw Messi score twice and assist once, Muller’s tweets were a symphony of praise.
Messimania @MLS 😵👏👍🏼 https://t.co/0wyKgF0HmT
— Thomas Müller (@esmuellert_) July 26, 2023
In Inter Miami’s recent triumph against Orlando City in the Leagues Cup where Messi scored twice taking his tally of goals to 5 from 3 games, Muller’s response to the official MLS tweet stating, “Messi is on fire,” summed up his transformed perspective.
he wants his move to the mls
— Elion (@VoidAVL) August 3, 2023
Muller’s change of tune has left fans abuzz with speculation. As his tenure with Bayern Munich approaches its culmination in 2024, murmurs have begun to circulate that Muller might be eyeing a potential MLS route for the next chapter of his soccer journey.
Thomas Muller’s playful jabs at Lionel Messi’s Champions League
The rivalry between the two soccer giants provided ample opportunities for Thomas Muller to poke fun at Lionel Messi’s exploits, especially in the Champions League context.
After Bayern Munich’s triumphant victory over Paris Saint Germain in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 last season, Muller boldly stated, “Against Messi, things always go well at all levels in terms of results. At club level, Cristiano Ronaldo was our problem when he was at Real Madrid.”
Thomas Müller: “Against Messi, things always go well at all levels in terms of results. At club level, Cristiano Ronaldo was our problem when he was at Real Madrid” 🔴 #FCBayern
“I have the greatest respect for Messi’s World Cup performance”, he said to @georg_holzner. pic.twitter.com/0MhvkTLE4T
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 9, 2023
While Messi has consistently posed a formidable challenge, Muller’s record against him stands as nothing less than extraordinary. Out of the nine times they have crossed paths, Muller has emerged victorious in an astounding eight encounters.
The 2014 World Cup final, where Germany defeated Argentina, may have been the most famous of these contests. Muller was essential to Germany’s victory. Muller even contributed a goal in the quarterfinal matchup between Germany and Argentina at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which Germany won 4 goals to nil.
The unforgettable 8-2 demolition of Barcelona by Bayern Munich in the 2019-20 quarterfinals showcased Muller’s ability to shine even on the grandest stage of club soccer. With his uncanny knack for finding the back of the net, he has managed to score six goals against Messi in the Champions League.
However, the story of Muller’s evolving perspective on Lionel Messi serves as a delightful reminder that soccer transcends rivalries, showcasing how shared experiences and mutual respect can reshape even the most entrenched perceptions.