Inter Miami’s MLS opener could expose a major problem no one’s talking about | OneFootball

The 2025 MLS season starts with a high-profile match: Inter Miami vs. New York City FC, a clash that is bound to bring a lot of excitement at Chase Stadium. The last season's Supporters' Shield title holders take the field with hopes as high as the sky, courtesy of the arrival of Lionel Messi, while NYCFC looks for a good start under their new coach.

Inter Miami comes into this game riding the momentum of a hard-fought Concacaf Champions Cup victory, edging Sporting Kansas City 1-0 in freezing conditions. Messi’s goal once again proved that no matter the cold or any adversity, the superstar remains the difference-maker for Javier Mascherano’s squad.

Can Inter Miami repeat its 2024 success?

Inter Miami had a historic year last season. They secured 74 points, broke the MLS single-season record, claimed the Supporters' Shield, and secured their third playoff position in record time. They recorded 22 wins, 83 goals, and looked unbeatable throughout the year.

Now, the pressure is even greater. Maintaining that intensity will not be easy, especially with Messi, Suárez, and Busquets juggling MLS and Concacaf Champions Cup responsibilities. For Mascherano, the biggest challenge will be rotation of the team and avoiding early-season fatigue, especially with games in the balance.

The NYCFC season opener will truly be a test to determine where this Inter Miami team is at. Their record versus the New Yorkers is evenly matched: in the last 11 games, Inter has defeated three, lost five, and drawn three, including two 1-1 ties last season.

Can NYCFC spring an upset?

Though Inter Miami enters as the favorite, NYCFC remains a giant question mark. The team underwent wholesale changes during the offseason, led by the hiring of head coach Pascal Jansen, who now has the task of rebuilding a roster in transition.

New York City FC enters this game with a troubling statistic—they have lost five consecutive season openers. To make matters worse, injuries are already a problem: Thiago Martins and Tayvon Gray are out, and Santiago Rodríguez is in limbo on whether he'll be transferred to Botafogo.

On the brighter side, NYCFC holds onto Alonso Martínez, who was their top scorer last season with 17 goals. To pilfer points in Miami, they will need to capitalize on any potential rotation of teams by Inter, as Mascherano could rest some of his regulars ahead of their Concacaf Champions Cup second leg on Tuesday.

Will Messi play the entire 90 minutes?

One of the largest pre-game questions is whether Messi will begin and play the entire game. He went 90 minutes against Sporting Kansas City, and despite the chill savagery of the evening, looked razor sharp. But with a crucial Champions Cup match on the horizon, will Mascherano risk his star for the entire game in an MLS season opener?

If Messi is used sparingly, NYCFC has the ability to take advantage of that window. Even without Argentine playing a complete game, however, Inter Miami still has over-the-hill veterans Suárez, Busquets, and Jordi Alba to show for it, as well as offseason pickups Tadeo Allende, Telasco Segovia, and Gonzalo Luján, who have made their Concacaf Champions Cup debuts.

The pressure to make a perfect beginning

MLS seasons are lengthy, but early-season games can set the stage. Inter Miami can't afford to squander points on their own turf, particularly with their daunting schedule. NYCFC knows that defeating one of the league's biggest threats can provide the boost they will require for the rest of the season.