The 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) season has already provided fans with high drama, outstanding performances, and emerging stars. From Lionel Messi’s continued brilliance at Inter Miami to the rise of new talents like Diego Luna and the success of expansion teams, here’s a look at the biggest talking points of the season so far.

Messi’s Magic and Inter Miami’s Redemption
Lionel Messi continues to defy expectations, proving why he remains one of the most influential players in world football. After suffering a heartbreaking playoff defeat to Atlanta United last season, Messi and Inter Miami sought revenge—and they got it in spectacular fashion.

In a recent match against Atlanta, Messi produced a moment of magic, pressing high to dispossess Bartosz Slisz before dribbling past Derrick Williams and chipping the ball over goalkeeper Brad Guzan. The goal, reminiscent of his famous 2015 strike against Bayern Munich, secured a crucial 2-1 victory for Inter Miami. With an unbeaten start to the season, Miami looks poised for a title challenge.

“Only Messi could score that goal. It’s just another reason why he’s the best player in history,” said Miami coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino.
Inter Miami’s dominance so far signals that Messi, along with stars like Luis Suárez and Jordi Alba, is determined to make this season one to remember.

Diego Luna’s Rise at Real Salt Lake
One of the most exciting young players in MLS, Diego Luna, has been making waves with Real Salt Lake. The 20-year-old attacking midfielder has been instrumental in his team’s strong start, recently scoring a crucial winner against Houston Dynamo.

What makes Luna’s rise even more impressive is his resilience—having suffered a broken nose while on USMNT duty in January, he returned wearing a protective mask and hasn’t looked back. His performances have earned him a call-up to the national team for the upcoming Concacaf Nations League finals, a sign that he is on the path to becoming a USMNT regular.

Salt Lake’s ability to develop young talent has been key to their success, and Luna is proving to be one of their brightest prospects yet.

Vancouver Whitecaps: The Surprise Contenders
Vancouver Whitecaps have emerged as one of the surprise teams of the season. Under the guidance of new head coach Jesper Sørensen, they have maintained a perfect record in MLS while also making history with a stunning victory over Monterrey in the Concacaf Champions Cup.

Their defensive resilience has been remarkable, highlighted by a recent 1-0 win over FC Dallas in which they didn’t allow a single shot on target. With a well-balanced squad and newfound confidence, the Whitecaps are showing they could be serious playoff contenders this year.

San Diego FC’s Historic Moment
San Diego FC, the league’s newest franchise, has wasted no time making history. Their first-ever goal came courtesy of Finnish midfielder Onni Valakari, who found the net at Snapdragon Stadium to mark the beginning of the club’s MLS journey.

Valakari, on loan from Cypriot club Pafos, expressed his excitement about the milestone:

“It’s an honor to score the first goal for San Diego FC. This club has big ambitions, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”
San Diego FC’s entry into MLS represents a new era of expansion and growth for the league, and early signs suggest they could be competitive right away.

Top Goal Scorers and Emerging Stars
The season has also seen some new names emerge as key contributors:

Tai Baribo (Philadelphia Union) – Leads the MLS scoring charts with five goals, proving to be a major attacking threat.
Hugo Cuypers (Chicago Fire FC) – With four goals so far, Cuypers is spearheading Chicago’s offense.
Emmanuel Latte Lath (Atlanta United FC) – The dynamic forward has already netted three goals, showing signs of a breakout season.
These players are not just scoring goals but also shaping the narratives of their respective teams’ seasons.

What’s Next?
With several months of action still ahead, the MLS season is set to deliver more drama and surprises. Will Messi guide Inter Miami to their first MLS Cup? Can the Vancouver Whitecaps sustain their hot start? Will young talents like Diego Luna and Onni Valakari continue to shine?

One thing is certain—this MLS season is already shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. Fans should buckle up, as more unforgettable moments are sure to come.