The MLS Season 2025 officially kicked off last weekend. We enjoyed the matches on the first day, where we experienced some surprising results and others that were completely unexpected.
However, it is fair to mention that, as we know, the season is just beginning, so whatever happens in these first matchdays will not define at all who will be the next MLS Cup champion. In the same way, it is of utmost importance for all the teams to win their first matches because, for many, these are the matches that have the most weight when deciding the rankings.
In one way or another, Inter Miami was unable to beat NYC FC in this first matchday, but it must be taken into account that they played almost the entire game with one less player on the field. Another unexpected result was the defeat of LA Galaxy, the current MLS champion, at the hands of newcomers San Diego FC.
Below, we bring you a summary of the best games of the first day of the 2025 MLS season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MLS Matchday 1 Results<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Inter Miami 2\u20132 NYC FC<\/em><\/td><\/tr>
LAFC 1\u20130 Minnesota<\/em><\/td><\/tr>
Atlanta 3\u20132<\/em> Montreal<\/em><\/td><\/tr>
LA Galaxy 0\u20132 San Diego<\/em><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
MLS Matchday 1 Roundup \u2013 Inter Miami vs. NYC FC<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
In his debut match of the new MLS season, Leo Messi came to Inter Miami’s rescue as they took on New York City in a challenging game.
Despite encountering difficulties, Inter Miami managed to secure a 2-2 draw at Chase Stadium. The result not only allowed Javier Mascherano’s team to maintain his unbeaten streak, which includes preseason matches and the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals but also showed Messi’s impact on the game.
Early on, Inter Miami took the lead with a goal from Tomas Aviles, assisted by Jordi Alba and Messi. However, their momentum was halted when Aviles received a red card in the 23rd minute, leaving the team with ten men. New York City FC took advantage of this numerical advantage and leveled the score shortly after Aviles’ dismissal.
In the second half, Inter Miami fell behind after Alonso Martinez scored for New York City. Despite the challenges they faced, Messi orchestrated a brilliant play in stoppage time that led to Telasco Segovia scoring the equalizer.
While the match did not provide the ideal start for Inter Miami in MLS, the resilience of the team and Messi’s impact in turning the tide of the game proved their character. Mascherano’s undefeated record as the team’s head coach reflects the team’s determination and Messi’s ability to influence games when needed.
Result: Inter Miami 2\u20132 NYC FC<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
MLS Matchday 1 Roundup \u2013 LAFC vs. Minnesota<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Saturday, February 22 at 4:30 PM ET, 3:30 PM CST, 2:30 PM MT, and 1:30 PM PT<\/em><\/td><\/tr>
Where?<\/strong><\/td>
Banc of California Stadium.<\/em><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
In the opening match of the 2025 MLS season, LAFC earned a 1-0 victory over Minnesota United, with the first goal of the season scored by French-American player Jeremy Ebobisse. Ebobisse, a recent addition to LAFC, scored a decisive goal with a strong shot in the 78th minute at Banc of California Stadium.
As reigning 2022 champions, LAFC continued its streak of winning all eight season openers in the team’s history. Ebobisse’s goal salvaged a modest performance from the home team against a Minnesota United side that hit the post twice.
Coach Steve Cherundolo, who opts to start without French striker Olivier Giroud, faces the task of overcoming significant squad losses. Minnesota ceded possession to the home team and exploited space in the opposition half to threaten the goal defended by Frenchman Hugo Lloris.
LAFC’s defense also contributed, as Ghanaian striker Kelvin Yeboah hit the post in the 12th minute after receiving the ball. Meanwhile, the home team’s attacks were led by promising Venezuelan striker David Martinez.
In a somewhat lackluster match, Denis Bouanga unleashed a counter-attack that led to Ebobisse’s goal from outside the box. Shortly after, Ebobisse was replaced by the experienced Olivier Giroud, who missed a one-on-one chance against Canadian goalkeeper Dayne St.Clair.
Minnesota United had a chance to salvage a point for their visitors, but a powerful long-range shot from South Korea’s Sang Bin Jeong hit the crossbar.