It’s not even worth debating, where Messi stands amongst others, in the world of soccer. He is the GOAT. You name it, and he’s accomplished it. He is Superman. But, just like Superman’s weakness is Kryptonite, Messi’s Kryptonite comes in the form of Bayern Munich and Germany’s Thomas Muller.

There’s no question that Thomas Muller is definitely one of the greatest soccer players of our generation. While Muller’s trophy case isn’t as prolific as Messi’s, you can’t undermine what he has accomplished. Winner of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, 2013 and 2020 FIFA Club World Cup, 2013-2014 and 2019-2020 UEFA Champions League. A more than respectable career.

But how exactly is Muller Messi’s weakness? Well, let’s look at their encounters, internationally and at club level.

Their first major encounter happened in the 2010 FIFA World Cup Quarter-finals. This was Thomas Muller’s first World Cup, and Messi’s 2nd. ‘Argentina vs Germany’ was expected to be an even fight. Instead, it turned into a bloodbath. Germany hammered in four unanswered goals, for the win. The man who opened the floodgates was Thomas Muller. Hope faded away, after Germany scored three more. Funny enough, the last shot was by Messi, and an easy save for goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. A preview for a decade to come.

2014 saw a rematch in the Final. Neither man found the back of the net, but it most certainly helped Muller cast a bigger shadow over Messi, as Germany lifted the gold.

During the 2014-15 UEFA Champions League Quarter-finals, Messi found some redemption, as Barca escaped 5-3 on aggregate. Both players scored in these matches. Moving forward, there was a much more iconic ‘Bayern Munich vs Barcelona’ battle. In their 2019-2020 Champions League quarter-final meeting, Bayern obliterated Barca 8-2. In this one, Muller crushed two goals, and was named Man of the Match. Messi’s presence was barely felt.

This past UEFA Champions League, Bayern Munich and PSG clashed, in an exciting Round of 16 two match series. Bayern moved on, as they routed PSG with 3-0. Muller didn’t score in these matches, but he was far more effective than Messi. Muller came in with a perfect assist, leading to Choupo-Moting’s goal. It was ruled offside, but it showed how much more Muller brought to the table than Messi.

Look. Thomas Muller isn’t the GOAT. It’s established. Oftentimes he is simply the better player, when facing Messi. Currently, Muller’s record against Messi is 8-1, with 8 goals in his favor. Not many players can say that. Not even Cristiano Ronaldo.

If Thomas Muller ever heads to MLS, like Messi recently did with Inter Miami, after his Bayern Munich contract expires in 2024, we should expect more ‘Muller vs Messi’ action. Maybe with the same outcomes. What do you think?