The most notable entrant is Lionel Messi and an Inter Miami team that is all-in on winning a title with the soccer G.O.A.T. and his former FC Barcelona teammates in tow. Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets are retiring, so it’s a ‘Last Dance’-type scenario for the Herons.
Elsewhere, Supporters’ Shield winners Philadelphia Union would like to finish with the MLS Cup three years after losing in an epic final in Los Angeles. Expansion side San Diego FC is the top seed in the Western Conference and could become the first MLS newcomer to reach the Cup final since the Chicago Fire won it in 1998. Los Angeles FC figures to be in the mix behind the potent goal-scoring duo of Denis Bouanga and Son Heung-Min. The Vancouver Whitecaps have been among the league’s best teams all season, and got even more dangerous after the summer addition of German legend Thomas Müller.
Here’s how USA TODAY Network soccer experts see how Round 1 of the MLS playoffs will play out, including bonus picks for MLS Cup:
MLS playoff predictions, picks for Round 1 series
Philadelphia Union vs. Chicago Fire
- Safid Deen: Philadelphia Union
- Jim Reineking: Philadelphia Union
- Jacob Shames: Philadelphia Union
- Seth Vertelney: Philadelphia Union
- James Weber: Philadelphia Union
FC Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew
- Safid Deen: FC Cincinnati
- Jim Reineking: Columbus Crew
- Jacob Shames: FC Cincinnati
- Seth Vertelney: FC Cincinnati
- James Weber: FC Cincinnati
Inter Miami vs. Nashville SC
- Safid Deen: Inter Miami
- Jim Reineking: Inter Miami
- Jacob Shames: Inter Miami
- Seth Vertelney: Inter Miami
- James Weber: Inter Miami
Charlotte FC vs. New York City FC
- Safid Deen: Charlotte FC
- Jim Reineking: New York City FC
- Jacob Shames: Charlotte FC
- Seth Vertelney: New York City FC
- James Weber: New York City FC
San Diego FC vs. Portland Timbers
- Safid Deen: San Diego FC
- Jim Reineking: San Diego FC
- Jacob Shames: San Diego FC
- Seth Vertelney: San Diego FC
- James Weber: San Diego FC
Vancouver Whitecaps vs. FC Dallas
- Safid Deen: Vancouver Whitecaps
- Jim Reineking: Vancouver Whitecaps
- Jacob Shames: Vancouver Whitecaps
- Seth Vertelney: Vancouver Whitecaps
- James Weber: Vancouver Whitecaps
Los Angeles FC vs. Austin FC
- Safid Deen: Los Angeles FC
- Jim Reineking: Los Angeles FC
- Jacob Shames: Los Angeles FC
- Seth Vertelney: Los Angeles FC
- James Weber: Los Angeles FC
Minnesota United vs. Seattle Sounders
- Safid Deen: Seattle Sounders
- Jim Reineking: Seattle Sounders
- Jacob Shames: Seattle Sounders
- Seth Vertelney: Seattle Sounders
- James Weber: Seattle Sounders
MLS Cup 2025
- Safid Deen: Inter Miami over Los Angeles FC
- Jim Reineking: Inter Miami over Vancouver Whitecaps
- Jacob Shames: Inter Miami over Vancouver Whitecaps
- Seth Vertelney: Los Angeles FC over FC Cincinnati
- James Weber: Inter Miami over Vancouver Whitecaps
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