Thomas Muller sets MLS goals-per-90-minutes record, surpassing Lionel Messi's scoring rate

Thomas Muller has surpassed Lionel Messi's MLS goals-per-90-minutes record after joining Vancouver Whitecaps. The 36-year-old German striker posted a 1.16 goals-per-90-minutes average across seven games, exceeding Messi's 1.08 rate and Son Heung-min's 1.00 mark at LAFC.

Muller transferred to Vancouver Whitecaps from Bayern Munich and has recorded seven goals and three assists in seven MLS regular season appearances. Including playoff matches, the German forward has accumulated nine goals and four assists in nine official games for the Whitecaps.

Messi won the 2025 MLS Golden Boot with 29 goals in the regular season and has been a dominant presence in the league since his 2023 arrival at Inter Miami. The Argentine forward has collected multiple individual awards during his MLS tenure.


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Vancouver Whitecaps striker maintains perfect penalty record

Muller has converted all six penalty attempts for Vancouver Whitecaps, establishing a 100 per cent penalty conversion rate. Messi has converted four penalties in 84 MLS appearances for Inter Miami.

The German striker scored in Vancouver's 3-0 playoff victory against Dallas. The Whitecaps advanced to the next playoff round with Muller serving as the team's primary penalty taker and offensive leader.

Whitecaps position for playoff run with Muller leading attack

Vancouver Whitecaps entered the MLS playoffs with improved positioning following Muller's contributions. The striker's nine goals in nine official matches have provided offensive production during the postseason push.

Muller's goals-per-90-minutes rate represents a statistical benchmark in MLS scoring efficiency. The record measures goal production relative to playing time, with Muller's seven-game sample establishing the current league-leading mark among qualified players.