Inter Miami will kick off proceedings in MLS 2025 on Saturday when they host New York City FC in their curtain-raiser.
The 2024 Major League Soccer season was the highest watermark in Miami’s history, as they clinched their first-ever Supporters’ Shield after finishing as the table toppers in the regular season.
Lionel Messi was at the heart of the triumph—not only did he turn the world’s attention to the United States, but he also helped Miami reach new heights. He finished the season with 21 goals, the same as his teammate Luis Suárez, who was another pivotal figure in Miami’s fairy-tale run.
However, Miami fell short in the playoffs, but they will have their eyes set on the MLS Cup this year. Javier Mascherano, who has replaced Tata Martino as head coach, will be looking to raise the bar even higher this season.
The Herons enjoyed a strong preseason leading up to the season opener, having recently defeated Sporting Kansas City 1-0 in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup first round, with Messi scoring the decisive goal.
Meanwhile, New York City secured a playoff spot last season thanks to a late resurgence. They also reached the semifinals of the MLS Cup before losing to eventual runners-up New York Red Bulls.
Inter Miami vs. New York City FC – Team News
Although they traded star player Leonardo Campana to the New England Revolution, Inter Miami brought in several new faces, including Fafà Picault, Telasco Segovia, and Tadeo Allende.
Laced up and ready for the Home Opener 💪 pic.twitter.com/wKEX6Jtm3h
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) February 21, 2025
Miami’s star quartet of Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba will once again play a key role this season.
Meanwhile, for New York City, their departures outnumbered their acquisitions, with Luiz Barraza, Jovan Mijatović, James Sands, and Christian McFarlane all leaving the club.
Inter Miami vs. New York City FC – Predicted Lineups
Predicted Inter Miami XI: Drake Callender; Marcelo Weigandt, Ian Fray, David Martínez, Jordi Alba; Tadeo Allende, Benjamín Cremaschi, Sergio Busquets, Federico Redondo; Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez.
Predicted New York City XI: Matt Freese; Tayvon Gray, Thiago Martins, Birk Risa, Kevin O’Toole; Andrés Perea, Keaton Parks; Annes Wolf, Santiago Rodríguez, Agustín Ojeda; Alonso Martínez.
Inter Miami vs. New York City FC – Key Players
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi stamped his authority on Major League Soccer last year, racking up 21 goals and 11 assists while proving that he is aging like fine wine. The Argentine playmaker also gave a glimpse of what’s to come this season when he scored a brilliant goal in the win against Sporting Kansas City. The record Ballon d’Or winner will be eager to get off to a strong start in the season opener.
Our new number 2️⃣ pic.twitter.com/LKgSYskRUU
— New York City FC (@newyorkcityfc) February 21, 2025
Alonso Martínez
Alonso Martínez will be a major threat to Inter Miami’s defense. The Costa Rican winger had a breakout campaign last year, scoring 17 goals and providing three assists while helping the Pigeons reach the playoff semifinals. The 26-year-old will look to pick up where he left off last season and make a big impact against the reigning Supporters’ Shield winners.
Inter Miami vs. New York City FC – Where to Watch?
The MLS opener between Inter Miami and New York City FC can be viewed live via Apple TV and DIRECTV.
Prediction: Inter Miami 2-1 New York City FC