Story perspectives

2025 MLS Playoffs Kick Off with Messi's Return!

10/20/2025

Summary

Messi Leads Playoffs

The 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs begin October 22 with Wild Card matches: Chicago Fire vs Orlando City and Portland Timbers vs Real Salt Lake.
Lionel Messi will lead his team.
Philadelphia Union earned the Eastern Conference top seed.
San Diego FC topped the Western Conference in their inaugural season.
The first round uses best-of-three series.

Summary

Messi's Hat Trick

Inter Miami CF ended the regular season with a 5-2 win against Nashville SC on October 22, 2023, featuring a hat trick from Lionel Messi, who totaled 29 goals for the season.
Messi's performance earned him the MLS Golden Boot, contributing to Miami's third-place finish in the Eastern Conference with 65 points and a record 81 goals scored.
Miami will face Nashville again in the first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs, while Nashville secured a playoff spot, finishing sixth in the conference.

History

Historical Context

Major League Soccer (MLS) was established in 1993 as part of the U.S. bid for the 1994 FIFA World Cup, officially launching in 1996 with 10 teams. Despite early financial struggles, MLS has expanded to 30 teams by 2025, including San Diego FC. The league's growth, highlighted by Lionel Messi's recent Golden Boot win with 29 goals, reflects soccer's rising popularity in the U.S.

1 of 3

Messi Leads Playoffs

The 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs begin October 22 with Wild Card matches: Chicago Fire vs Orlando City and Portland Timbers vs Real Salt Lake.
Lionel Messi will lead his team.
Philadelphia Union earned the Eastern Conference top seed.
San Diego FC topped the Western Conference in their inaugural season.
The first round uses best-of-three series.

1 / 3