MLS 2025 Season Preview: Messi vs Son Headline Campaign With World Cup Twist

Major League Soccer returns for what promises to be its most compelling season yet. The 2025 campaign features a unique wrinkle—the men's World Cup taking place during the heart of the regular season—making this year's competition particularly intriguing for Canadian football fans.

The league's star power has never been stronger. Opening weekend delivers a marquee clash between Lionel Messi's reigning champion Inter Miami and Son Heung-min's Los Angeles FC. For North American soccer enthusiasts, this matchup represents the pinnacle of talent currently gracing MLS pitches.

Inter Miami enters as the clear favourite, and for good reason. When you have arguably the greatest player to ever play the game orchestrating your attack, championship expectations naturally follow. Messi's arrival has fundamentally transformed not just Miami, but the entire league's profile.

The Florida club hasn't rested on its laurels either. After club icons Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba retired following the 2024 title triumph, manager Javier Mascherano moved quickly to refresh the roster. Canadian goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair headlines the new arrivals, joining Brazilian centre-back Micael, £11-million striker German Berterame, and former Tottenham left-back Sergio Reguilón.

Challengers Ready to Pounce

Make no mistake—this won't be a coronation. LAFC, bolstered by Son's world-class finishing ability, presents a formidable threat. Expansion side San Diego FC and perennial contender FC Cincinnati also rank highly in preseason projections. On the flip side, Sporting Kansas City and D.C. United face challenging seasons ahead.

One compelling narrative involves Gerardo 'Tata' Martino's homecoming to Atlanta United. Canadians will remember the spectacular football his 2018 squad produced, with Miguel Almirón and Josef Martínez leading them to MLS Cup glory. Now Almirón has returned to Atlanta, giving Martino another opportunity to recreate that magic. Can the Argentine tactician capture lightning in a bottle twice?

World Cup Disruption Looms Large

The unprecedented twist this season comes from the World Cup's mid-season scheduling. With the United States serving as co-host alongside Canada and Mexico, the tournament's impact on MLS will be substantial. Numerous league players will represent their nations on football's biggest stage, particularly those suiting up for the USMNT.

MLS goalkeeper Matt Freese appears destined for the starting role. Charlotte's veteran Tim Ream, remarkably still performing at 38, remains a defensive stalwart. Real Salt Lake's Diego Luna and Columbus Crew's Max Arfsten could also factor into the American squad.

The league is banking on World Cup momentum to drive interest. MLS has strategically scheduled high-profile matches immediately following the July final, hoping newly energized soccer fans will continue following the domestic league rather than exclusively watching European competitions. Rumours even suggest Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski might consider a stateside move post-tournament, with Chicago Fire reportedly monitoring the situation.

From a betting perspective, Miami naturally tops the odds boards. However, the World Cup interruption could disrupt team chemistry and momentum, potentially opening the door for surprises. Clubs with deep rosters may navigate the break more successfully than star-dependent squads.

The 2026 season brings a potentially seismic shift—MLS will adopt a calendar aligned with European leagues. This restructuring could prove transformative for talent acquisition and global competitiveness. Despite Messi's impact, the league hasn't expanded its fanbase as dramatically as anticipated over the past decade.

Across the Atlantic, Real Madrid prospect Endrick is flourishing at Lyon. The 19-year-old Brazilian struggled for minutes at the Santiago Bernabéu before securing a winter loan to France. That decision looks inspired. Endrick has exploded with five goals and one assist across just six appearances, including a debut winner against Lille.

Nearly a year has passed since Endrick's last Brazil cap. With the World Cup approaching and manager Carlo Ancelotti monitoring his development, these Lyon performances could secure a national team recall. The youngster's exceptional talent was never in doubt—now he's demonstrating it consistently at senior level.

On a lighter note, Brentford's Michael Kayode has gained attention for his prodigious throw-ins in the Premier League. But his most memorable toss came at the Brentford Community Stadium, where he used a throw-in to reveal that he and partner Eleonora are expecting a baby. Football delivers these touching human moments that transcend the competitive spectacle.