The 30th season of Major League Soccer (MLS) kicks off this Saturday, marking the biggest edition in the league’s history. With a record 30 teams competing, new British signings making their debuts, and global superstars like Lionel Messi in action, the excitement is palpable. Opitanglobamedia Football examines the key talking points ahead of the new season.
Can Mascherano Lead Inter Miami’s Stars to Glory?
Inter Miami has built a squad that feels like a Barcelona reunion. Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and newly appointed coach Javier Mascherano all shared the pitch at Camp Nou between 2014 and 2018. Now, they are working together to make history in Major League Soccer.
Mascherano, who previously managed Argentina’s Olympic team, replaced Gerardo Martino in the offseason and now faces the challenge of guiding Miami to its first-ever Major League Soccer Cup. Despite finishing atop the regular-season standings in 2024, Miami was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. While they controversially secured a spot in this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup, the real question remains: can Mascherano harness the collective experience of his former Barcelona teammates to dominate MLS?
With Miami also competing in the Concacaf Champions Cup, Leagues Cup, and Club World Cup, the squad will need to manage fixture congestion while maintaining peak performance. Last season, Suárez netted 25 goals, while Messi, despite an injury-hit campaign, scored 23 in 25 appearances. If they stay fit, Miami could be the team to beat.
Cavan Sullivan: The Wonderkid Set for Manchester City?
Philadelphia Union’s 15-year-old sensation, Cavan Sullivan, has already played three Major League Soccer matches and is widely regarded as one of the brightest talents in American soccer. Reports suggest he is on the verge of securing a move to Manchester City in the coming years, making him a player to watch this season.
Sullivan made history by debuting at just 14 and signing the most lucrative homegrown contract in MLS history. While no formal announcement has been made about a move to City, the club’s close ties with the Union through the City Football Group suggest the deal is only a matter of time.
Eligible to represent both the United States and Germany at the international level, Sullivan could move to Europe at 16 under his German dual nationality. If Manchester City finalizes the transfer, he might initially join one of their sister clubs before making the leap to the Premier League. His development in MLS this season will be closely monitored by scouts worldwide.
San Diego FC Joins MLS as the 30th Team
The 2025 season introduces a new expansion team: San Diego FC, bringing Major League Soccer to an unprecedented 30 teams. Owned by British-Egyptian businessman Mohamed Mansour and featuring a star-studded ownership group—including Spanish World Cup winner Juan Mata and Nigerian singer Tems—San Diego is set to make waves in its debut season.
The team has already attracted notable players, including Mexican international Hirving Lozano, formerly of PSV and Napoli. Northern Ireland international Paddy McNair was signed last summer and spent the first half of the season at West Brom before officially joining the squad. In addition, former Nottingham Forest winger Alex Mighten adds attacking depth.
San Diego’s introduction marks another step in Major League Soccer’s expansion, reflecting the league’s growing global appeal. Fans will be eager to see how the newcomers fare in their maiden campaign.
Wilfried Zaha’s Shock Move to Charlotte FC
One of the biggest surprises of the Major League Soccer offseason was Wilfried Zaha’s loan move to Charlotte FC from Galatasaray. The former Crystal Palace talisman is set to play under Dean Smith, the ex-Aston Villa manager now in his second season at Charlotte.
Zaha joins a squad with a strong English influence, featuring Ashley Westwood (formerly of Burnley), Nathan Byrne (ex-Wigan), and young forward Tyger Smalls. Charlotte, who finished just outside the playoff spots last season, will hope Zaha’s arrival provides the attacking firepower needed to push them into postseason contention.
Zaha, known for his flair, dribbling ability, and creativity, has long been regarded as one of the Premier League’s most exciting players. His presence in Major League Soccer is a major coup for the league and could transform Charlotte into a genuine playoff contender.
Atlanta United’s British Invasion
Atlanta United has taken a distinctly British approach to its offseason recruitment, both on and off the pitch. The club appointed former Celtic manager Ronny Deila as head coach in December, with ex-Scotland international Kenny Miller as his assistant and former English lower-league goalkeeper Elliot Parish as the goalkeeping coach.
On the field, Atlanta made headlines by securing Newcastle United winger Miguel Almirón for £9 million and smashing the Major League Soccer transfer record with a £22.5 million move for Middlesbrough striker Emmanuel Latte Lath. These acquisitions signal the club’s ambition to return to the league’s elite after recent struggles.
With a coaching staff boasting vast European experience and high-profile signings from England’s top leagues, Atlanta United is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing teams to follow in 2025. Whether their British strategy pays off remains to be seen, but the pieces are in place for a potentially dominant campaign.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 MLS season promises to be the most thrilling in the league’s history. With a record 30 teams, global superstars, rising young talents, and high-profile signings from Europe, the league continues its upward trajectory. As the action kicks off this weekend, all eyes will be on whether Messi and Inter Miami can finally capture an Major League Soccer Cup, how San Diego FC fares in its debut season, and whether young stars like Cavan Sullivan can make the leap to European football.
One thing is certain: MLS 2025 is set to be a season like no other.
