The Kickoff: Pressure on as Lionel Messi, Inter Miami look to rebound vs MLS Supporters' Shield-leading Philadelphia Union

The Herons are at the lowest point yet in the Lionel Messi era. Winless in six of their last seven across all competitions and eliminated from the CONCACAF Champions Cup, things aren't going to get easier over the next couple weeks.

They take the pitch in the FIFA Club World Cup next month, and they're in search of form ahead of this summer's marquee tournament. First up? Arguably their biggest test in MLS, a meeting with the Philadelphia Union.

Bradley Carnell's men are in exquisite form, atop the East and the Supporters' Shield standings, and present Miami with a difficult challenge. The Herons need a result against the Union, but with their current form, it's hard to picture them securing a result on the road.

It will be up to Messi and Luis Suarez to generate confidence, and more importantly, score goals.

Somewhat quietly, LAFC are unbeaten in seven, and have finally found a sense of identity after a rough start to the 2025 campaign. Denis Bouanga is playing some of the best soccer in the league, with the Gabon international and LAFC star totaling seven goals and three assists on the season.

Steve Cherundolo has flipped a switch with his club in the Western Conference, and they're now flying. Up to fifth in the West, they're just three points behind second-place Minnesota United, and six behind first-place Vancouver.

This weekend, the Black and Gold travel to take on bottom-dwellers CF Montreal, as they search for their eighth-straight match with a result. Although CF MTL have struggled to begin 2025, they shouldn't be counted out - and LAFC will know that going into the match.

The Canadian outfit have recently pulled off results against both the Columbus Crew and NYCFC, but were also on the wrong side of a 6-1 hammering by Toronto FC.

USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino has called up Sebastian Berhalter, Brian White and Diego Luna for the CONCACAF Gold Cup camp, and the trio are all set to clash in MLS action this weekend - surely drawing the eyes of U.S. Soccer.

White, Berhalter and the Whitecaps are the gold standard of MLS at the moment. In absolutely exemplary form, the Whitecaps have just one loss and are averaging 2.15 points-per-game - the most in MLS. White, meanwhile, has proven to be one of the league's best goalscorers, with eight on the season in MLS action. Berhalter has one goal and three assists. The son of former U.S. manager and current Chicago Fire coach Gregg, Sebastian has been one of MLS' best ball-playing midfielders.

Real Salt Lake, meanwhile, have struggled to find consistency through 2025, but Luna has shined for the Western Conference side. He's up to seven goals and two assists, leading the club in scoring. Surely, this will be the match Pochettino makes time to watch.

Henry Tomkins makes MLS  predictions for the weekend:Minnesota and Columbus have a chance to move closer to first place in their respective conferences with victories over their upcoming opponents. Another triumph for Vancouver will guarantee they remain top of the Western Conference, with a game in hand.

San Jose’s striking power may prove too much for Houston, and another win could see them go five games undefeated in the MLS. Victory for New England would push them into the top nine, and another clean sheet could see them hold the joint-most in the division.

Odds via bet365 & BetMGM correct at the time of publishing, and subject to change.

+ The Columbus Crew are searching for history Saturday against Charlotte FC, looking to extend their regular season road unbeaten streak to 12 matches, dating back to August, 2024. The Crew are one of two teams, alongside Vancouver, that are unbeaten on the road in 2025. Columbus would match the 2010 FC Dallas side for the longest road unbeaten streak in MLS history.

+ Orlando City will look to reach an unbeaten streak of 12 matches as they take on the Portland Timbers. That would tie their MLS regular season record. They're currently 11 straight unbeaten.

+ With an assist against the Houston Dynamo, San Jose Earthquakes star Cristian Espinoza will reach 80 career assists, becoming the third active player to do so, behind Lucho Acosta and Nicolas Lodeiro.