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The start of the 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) season is fast approaching, bringing fans a fresh wave of excitement as the league celebrates its 30th anniversary. With new teams, high-profile players, and exciting matchups on the horizon, there’s much to look forward to as the season kicks off.
Redemption for Lionel Messi and Inter Miami
After a stellar 2024 regular-season title win, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami will be looking to redeem themselves following an unexpected early exit in the playoffs. The team will be determined to go all the way this season and prove their strength in the postseason, as they aim to build on their recent success and make a deeper playoff run.
LA Galaxy’s quest for more success
Reigning MLS Cup champions LA Galaxy will be out to prove that their recent triumph wasn’t a fluke. The Galaxy, known for their history of dominance in the league, will be aiming to solidify their status as the most successful team in MLS history. The team’s veteran leadership and star power will be crucial as they chase another MLS Cup title.
New faces and a new team in San Diego
The 2025 season will also feature new players and a fresh expansion team. San Diego FC, the league’s 30th team, will make its MLS debut, adding to the excitement.
The club has already made headlines by signing former Napoli and PSV Eindhoven star Hirving Lozano as their first-ever Designated Player. Additionally, other teams like FC Cincinnati and Los Angeles FC have strengthened their squads with international talent, including Togo’s Kévin Denkey and Celtic’s Odin Thiago Holm on loan.
MLS season start date: what to know
The 2025 MLS season kicks off with the much-anticipated MLS is Back weekend, set for Saturday, February 22, and Sunday, February 23.
All 30 teams will be in action, with Inter Miami, the defending Supporters’ Shield winners, hosting New York City FC at Chase Stadium on the season’s opening day. The following day, San Diego will begin their inaugural campaign against the reigning champion, LA Galaxy.
With the league now boasting 30 teams, each will play 34 regular-season games during the 2025 MLS season, which will culminate with Decision Day on Saturday, October 18. The exact postseason schedule will be announced in due course.
Key dates for the 2025 MLS season
The 2025 MLS season will feature several exciting key dates, including the MLS All-Star Game on Wednesday, July 23, at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas. The opponent for the MLS All-Stars remains to be announced. Last year, the MLS All-Stars, featuring players like Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, were defeated 4-1 by the Liga MX All-Stars.
In addition to the All-Star Game, the season will feature Rivalry Week, the Leagues Cup (played alongside regular-season matches), and breaks for the Club World Cup and Gold Cup.
The 2025 season’s opening weekend will feature some thrilling matchups, including the highly anticipated rivalry clash between the Portland Timbers and Vancouver Whitecaps. These two teams, hailing from the Cascadia region, have a long-standing and fierce rivalry that dates back to the 1970s, making this one of the most eagerly awaited fixtures of the season.
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