Lionel Messi soars, Portland craters on MLS Decision Day

Key Takeaways:

• The 2025 MLS regular season lasted nine months and encompassed 34 matchdays.
• Lionel Messi’s performances stood out as a major highlight.
• Portland encountered significant challenges on Decision Day.
• Eighteen teams (nine per conference) now advance to the playoffs.

Introduction to the Season End

The 2025 Major League Soccer regular season has officially wrapped up after a grueling schedule spanning nine months. Over 34 matchdays, every franchise fought to secure a spot in the coveted playoff race, culminating in Sunday’s Decision Day, which solidified this year’s postseason picture.

Messi’s Soaring Performance

One of the most talked-about storylines from this campaign has been Lionel Messi’s dynamic play. With every appearance, Messi demonstrated the elite skill fans have come to expect, propelling Inter Miami’s match results and capturing headlines throughout the season.

Portland’s Struggles

On the flip side, Portland found itself on the wrong end of Decision Day drama. Their season run took a severe hit in the final stretch, causing them to miss key opportunities in the race toward the playoffs. Despite early promise, a string of disappointments signaled a difficult finish for the franchise.

The Playoff Picture

Now that the dust has settled, 18 of the league’s 30 franchises will continue on to compete for the 2025 MLS Cup. Each conference will send nine teams, ensuring the most competitive clubs battle it out in the postseason. With the stakes higher than ever, these teams eye the road ahead, determined to claim the title.

Looking Ahead

As the 2025 MLS Cup competition begins, eyes remain fixed on the standout stars, like Lionel Messi, and on whether struggling teams can bounce back in the next season. For now, the focus shifts to the clubs that earned their shot at glory, setting the stage for an enthralling knockout run toward the ultimate prize in American soccer.