MLS Decision Day: Playoff Scenarios, Messi’s Impact, and Seeding Possibilities
The final day of the 2025 MLS regular season, known as Decision Day, is set to create significant playoff scenarios, seeding possibilities, and spotlight Lionel Messi as he chases another MVP title.
Playoff Scenarios: The Western Conference Battle
As Decision Day approaches, the competition for the final playoff spots in the Western Conference heats up. FC Dallas, Real Salt Lake, Colorado Rapids, and San Jose Earthquakes are vying for the last two positions. Currently, Dallas holds 41 points, while Real Salt Lake has 40. Colorado and San Jose trail with 40 and 38 points, respectively.
Current Team Status
- FC Dallas: 41 points
- Real Salt Lake: 40 points
- Colorado Rapids: 40 points
- San Jose Earthquakes: 38 points
Despite their positions, form is crucial. Dallas, in good form, faces the top-ranked Vancouver Whitecaps, while RSL meets St. Louis. San Jose hosts Austin FC, which looks to be a more favorable match.
Messi’s Impact on the MLS Season
Lionel Messi leads the league with 44 goal contributions, including 26 goals and 18 assists. He is on track to win the MLS MVP award for the second consecutive season, a first in league history. If he maintains his performance, he could solidify his legacy further in Nashville.
Golden Boot Race
- Lionel Messi: 26 goals
- Denis Bouanga (LAFC): 24 goals
- Sam Surridge (Nashville SC): 23 goals
Messi’s remarkable season puts him second in all-time goal contributions for a single season, trailing only Carlos Vela’s 2019 record.
Seeding and Home-Field Advantage
As the playoff picture becomes clearer, various teams are positioning themselves for favorable seeds. Philadelphia has already secured the top seed in the Eastern Conference and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
FC Cincinnati currently ranks second, closely followed by Inter Miami, Charlotte FC, NYCFC, and Nashville, all of whom are competing for critical playoff positioning.
Final Farewells: Notable Retirements
Decision Day will also mark the end of several legendary players’ careers in the MLS. Atlanta United’s Brad Guzan plans to retire after the season ends. Guzan, a key figure since the club’s inception in 2017, will likely have one last game to bid farewell to fans.
Additionally, MLS icon Darlington Nagbe, as well as Spanish stars Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets of Inter Miami, are set to retire, with aspirations of concluding their storied careers with an MLS Cup title.
As the regular season wraps up, all eyes will be on the playoff battles and Messi’s pursuit of individual honors, setting the stage for an exciting postseason to come.
