NEW YORK, Dec 20, (V7N) – Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami squad will kick off the 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) season with a high-profile home match against New York City FC on February 22, according to the league schedule released Thursday.

Miami's Journey Ahead

Inter Miami, led by the Argentine superstar, finished with the league's best record last season but suffered an early playoff exit against Atlanta. This year, they aim for redemption with a packed schedule, starting with the NYCFC match, sandwiched between their CONCACAF Champions Cup series against Kansas City on February 18 and 25.

Miami will also face Eastern Conference rivals and several Western Conference teams, hosting Dallas, Seattle, and reigning MLS champions Los Angeles Galaxy in a marquee clash on August 16.

Notable Highlights

Los Angeles Galaxy opens their season at home on February 23, hosting the league's newest club, San Diego, which marks the launch of MLS’s 30th team during its 30th season.

A tribute to MLS's inaugural 1996 campaign will take place when DC United visits San Jose on April 6, a recreation of the league’s first match. DC United will also face the Galaxy in Los Angeles on July 12, echoing the first-ever MLS Cup final.

The 2025 MLS All-Star Game is set for July 23 in Austin.

Breaks and Tournaments

The league will pause from June 15-24 for the 32-team FIFA Club World Cup and the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup, both hosted in the U.S. Inter Miami and Seattle Sounders will represent MLS in the Club World Cup.

The 2025 Leagues Cup, featuring teams from MLS and Mexico's LIGA MX, will run from July 29 to August 31.

With a total of 34 matches per team, the season promises exciting action for fans across the U.S. and beyond.