Who Will Win MLS Cup in 2025?
The 2025 MLS season kicks off tonight with Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami currently tipped to lift the MLS Cup come the conclusion of the campaign.
Last season saw LA Galaxy win a record sixth MLS Cup in what was a remarkable campaign. The Galaxy defeated the New York Red Bulls to conclude the previous campaign.
All eyes are now on the 2025 season, which side will lift MLS cup and will it be Messi? Find out which team we believe will take the crown this season and why it won’t be Inter Miami…
Inter Miami, it won’t be you…
For those looking at MLS from the outside in, it’s almost impossible to look past Inter Miami as the team to win the cup. Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba make up the core of this super side… on paper.
However, these aren’t the years of prime Barcelona and most of these legends are past their best. Whilst Messi and Suarez impressed with goal involvement numbers, there is somewhat of a doubt in my mind that Miami can go one better this season.
Messi led his side to a Supporters Shield victory in 2024. The supporters shield is awarded to the team that finishes top of the overall MLS standings for the season before any play off match is played.
Miami have lost a few of their talented players during the off season and will yet again be looking to rely on the ex Barcelona core to find success this season.
Despite them being an impressive side, there is somewhat of a lack of balance in the side. A strong core but with even one injury to either Messi or Suarez then Inter Miami are in a world of trouble.
As incredible as those four players are, they are not destined for success in my books.
Atlanta United to be Crowned Once Again…
For this years MLS Cup champions, i’m turning my attention to Atlanta United. A team that fueled Messi’s nightmares last season when they knocked Inter Miami out of the play offs.
Atlanta have an exciting squad with one familiar face in particular making headlines in the off season. Miguel Almiron returned to Atlanta from Newcastle United ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Almiron already has 70 appearances for Atlanta having scored 22 goals and provided 21 assists already at the club. However, the attacker wasn’t the only exciting signing during the window, they also signed;
Emmanuel Latte Lath from Middlesbrough
Aleksey Miranchuk from Atalanta
Mateusz Klich from DC United
Just focusing on these three signings, Atlanta have added a fantastic and exciting striker from the Championship. A well experienced midfielder from Serie A with European competition experience and a centre back who is now familiar to the MLS having spent valuable time in his career playing in England.
Atlanta have a well experienced side and the return of a club legend will be a huge boost. I’d be incredibly excited if I was an Atlanta fan as there is a real squad with depth and a valuable mix of young talented and seasoned professionals.
A Summer Transfer Window Could Change It All…
Of course there could be huge changes to a number of squads in the summer transfer window. Names like Antoine Griezmann have been linked with moves to the States recently.
If clubs like LAFC are to attract names like they have in the past then they could also be a team to watch come the end of the campaign. LA Galaxy going back to back is also not out of the question.