The 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) season kicks off with a highly anticipated matchup between Inter Miami FC and New York City FC at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday, February 22. This clash features two teams with high expectations and star-studded lineups.
Inter Miami FC
- 2024 Record: 22-12-4, Supporters’ Shield winners
- Key Players: Lionel Messi, Fafa Picault, Telasco Segovia, Tadeo Allende (on loan)
- Strengths: Miami set an MLS record for points in 2024 and had 22 regular-season victories. They have a strong home record, winning 11 times at home last season.
- Challenges: Despite their regular-season success, Miami was eliminated in the opening round of the playoffs. They will look to improve their playoff performance this season.
New York City FC
- 2024 Record: 15-17-2, reached the playoffs but lost in the second round
- Key Players: Christian McFarlane, Jovan Mijatović (on loan), James Sands (on loan)
- Strengths: NYCFC finished the 2024 season strong, winning three of their final four league contests. They have a productive academy and a front office adept at finding undervalued targets.
- Challenges: NYCFC struggled early in the season, losing four of their first five games. They have not won their first match of an MLS campaign since 2018.
Match Details
- Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025
- Time: 2:30 PM ET
- Venue: Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale
- Broadcast: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Team News and Lineups
- Inter Miami FC: The reigning Supporters’ Shield winners have turned to Javier Mascherano to guide the team to an MLS Cup. They have added Fafa Picault and Telasco Segovia ahead of this season and also brought in Tadeo Allende on loan from Celta Vigo. Their biggest departure was Leonardo Campana, who was traded to the New England Revolution.
- New York City FC: After a poor start to the 2024 season, NYCFC hired Pascal Jansen to maximize the team’s high-priced talent. They have lost key players like Christian McFarlane to Manchester City and Jovan Mijatović on loan to Belgian Pro League side Oud-Heverlee Leuven.
Key Matchups
- Lionel Messi vs. NYCFC Defense: Messi’s presence on the field will be a major factor for Miami. His ability to create scoring opportunities and finish them will test NYCFC’s defensive capabilities.
- NYCFC’s Front Line vs. Inter Miami’s Defense: NYCFC’s attacking trio will look to exploit any weaknesses in Miami’s defense and create scoring chances.
