On Saturday a new edition of MLS starts with Lionel Messi in Inter Miami in search of glory. Riqui Puig continues to recover from his knee injury.
This Saturday, February 22, Major League Soccer will return to action. The top football match in the United States starts with Los Angeles FC vs. Minnesota United at 1:30 pm local time (4:30 pm et, 10:30 PM Spanish time). With the introduction of a new franchise, San Diego FC, a total of 30 teams will fight through the regular season, with 16 progress to the play -offs – only one will arise as a champion.
For the first time since his arrival, Lionel Messi is the leader who lifts the trophy with Inter Miami. The Argentinian superstar enters its 21st season as a professional and his second full campaign at Inter Miami. Last year the herons ended on top of their conference during the regular season, but this time the goal is to win the competition title for the first time in their history. Los Angeles FC and Los Angeles Galaxy are expected to be the most difficult challengers of Messi in his search for MLS -Dominance.
The Intermiami Stars
MLS is not just about Messi. The competition has a mix of seasoned legends and rising stars who want to leave their mark in American football. Several title candidates have a world -class talent in their ranks.
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami): On 36 the Argentinian icon remains the most influential player for both his club and national team. The Championship of Inter Miami hopes to be largely on his shoulders.
Luis Suárez (Inter Miami): Despite the continuous knee-oriented problems, the targeting instincts of the Uruguayan striker remain razor-sharp. Age and injuries may work against him, but his exceptional finish remains a powerful weapon in front of Florida.
Sergio Busquets & Jordi Alba (Inter Miami): two elite midfielders who continue to thrive under the system of Javier Mascherano. Because they have been some of Messi's best teammates throughout his career, they bring vision and experience from World Class to a team that wants to dominate the competition.
Marco Reus (Los Angeles Galaxy): The German playmaker takes a busy season after playing a key role in La Galaxy's Championship-winning campaign last year. Now, with his first career competition title protected, he was able to unleash an even more expressive playing style.
Riqui Puig (Los Angeles Galaxy): After a stellar second half of last season, an injury stopped the young Spanish midfielder to celebrate MLS Cup Glory on the field. At the beginning of 2025, his recovery will be crucial to return to his best form.
Olivier Giroud (Los Angeles FC): The Veteran French Striker will play a crucial role, because Lafc wants to recover his place at the top. Now fully adapted to MLS, he will be the center of an attack that thrives on direct play and aggressive movement.
Opening weekend devices
The opening weekend contains a full schedule of debut competitions. While Los Angeles FC vs. Minnesota Unitedwill The season starts, Inter Miami and Atlanta United also play their first games on Saturday. Defending champion Los Angeles Galaxy will be confronted with San Diego FC in their very first official competition.
Match schedule (week 1)
Saturday, February 22
Sunday, February 23
The new faces
This outdoor season has not seen the inflammatory signing sessions, but a few remarkable arrivals and important movements can still shake things up. With the extensive club world cup approaching this summer, the market can heat up in the coming months.
Javier Mascherano (Inter Miami): perhaps the most important change is not on the field, but on the sidelines. After the unexpected departure of Tata Martino for personal reasons, the bank of Inter Miami is now led by Mascherano, a former teammate of Messi, Busquets and Alba-a movement that is perfectly in line with the long-term ambitions of the club.
Lucho Acosta (FC Dallas): The Argentinian playmaker, MVP of the 2023 season, has changed conferences. His move to Dallas indicates the serious intention of the club to compete for the title.
Miguel Almirón (Atlanta United): the lost son returns. After rejecting lucrative offers from Europe, the Paraguayan midfielder chose to come back to the club where he became a star, after he had played a crucial role in the 2018 2018 championship of Atlanta before moving to Newcastle. Seven years later he is back.
Leo Campana (New England Revolution): After spending more than a year as Messi's Go-to-to-replace in tight competitions, the Ecuadorian attacker has sought a greater role. His move to New England gives him the chance to become a franchise player and to show his true power.
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