The 2025 regular MLS season ended in mid-October with Inter Miami finishing just one point behind the overall league (Supporter’s Shield) winners – Philadelphia Union.

Although Lionel Messi and co. managed thirteen goals in winning their last three league matches it was not enough to compensate for losing to Chicago earlier in the month and they fell just short of the leaders.

However, there was much compensation for the Argentine captain who topped the goalscoring charts, was also joint-top of the assists table, as well as gathering three ‘Player of the Month’ awards.

Thus, perhaps, not surprisingly, he also captured the ‘Golden Boot’ at the ‘End-of-season-awards’.

And across the country the presence of the diminutive superstar added thousands to the stadium attendances whenever he was present.

Additionally Inter featured in the high profile FIFA Club World Cup where they were the only MLS side to qualify for the knockout stages before losing out to UEFA Champions League winners PSG.

As is typical in high level USA sport the season culminates in a system of playoffs following the regular league campaign.

(As an aside this structure began in baseball, culminating in the ‘World Series’, and then eventually became a successful staple of all the major American sports.

But it took a lot longer for a partial playoff system to play some part in football in Europe)

In the current structure eighteen teams qualified for the 2025 MLS Cup playoffs with Miami among those taking part in Round 1, which involved a best-of-three matchup, with the winners going on to the Conference semis and finals.

Ultimately the Eastern and Western Conference final champions will then meet in the MLS Cup final, scheduled for December 6.

Inter negotiated their way past Nashville though they needed victory in the third match (including a double from Messi) to ensure progression.

Which means they will travel to the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati for their Eastern Conference semi-final decider.

They will be favourites to get through.

That is despite the home crowd advantage of Pat Noonan’s side, who held Miami goalless in two regular season encounters, and have Brazilians’ Brenner and especially, Evander, in their lineup.

But the peerless Messi, and his teammates, are expected to overcome those odds primarily based on their potent attacking strength.

And then possibly play Philadelphia, assuming they get the better of New York City, in the Conference finale.

Coach of the Year, South African Bradley Carnell, and his Union side, will also be bidding for their first MLS Cup crown after losing out to Los Angeles FC in 2022.

Should it transpire, and it would be in Pennsylvania, the match would be a battle between the best defence (Union) and the best attack (Inter)

Considering these two shared six goals back in May this potential headliner  could be a classic.

Then, ultimately, the odds favour that Eastern Conference champion going on to claim the MLS Cup when they face the likes of newcomers San Diego or Vancouver Whitecaps, from the West, in early December.

At 38-years-old this could be the last chance for Lionel Messi to lead the Herons to their first MLS Cup crown.

Many will think he is set to do just that.

Analysis – John Bethell.