NYCFC vs Inter Miami CF preview: MLS is back as the 2025 season begins | OneFootball

New York City FC is about to enter the team’s 11th season in Major League Soccer and celebrate the tenth anniversary.  In some ways, it is hard to believe it has already been a decade since the Pigeons began their journey.  They have made the playoffs in eight of ten seasons, and unlike their rivals across the Hudson River, they have won the MLS Cup.

As they enter the 2025 campaign, there are some questions about how they will play under new Head Coach Pascal Jansen.  NYCFC has signed a few new players, but most of them are untested and young.  Therefore, the Bronx side has a challenge ahead of them as they begin the season against Inter Miami CF.  The powerhouse team is full of stars led by Lionel Messi.

The last two times the team met ended in draws, but this time NYCFC will be without Santiago Rodríguez, who the club should soon announce his departure, and James Sands, who is out on loan.  The two were vital to the Boys in Blue during the 2024 season, and subsequently, it is not known who will successfully step up and whether they will do so.

Nevertheless, it is only the first match and it would be tough regardless of who Jansen fielded on the pitch.  Here is a preview of the MLS Opening Day game between NYCFC and Inter Miami.

Date

NYCFC and Inter Miami will face off on Saturday, February 22.

Time

The match is at 7:30 PM ET.

Location

The fixture will take occur in Fort Lauderdale, Florida at Chase Stadium.

How to watch

Supporters can watch the game on Apple TV via the MLS Season Pass.

Weather

When the game kicks off, it will be cloudy and about 69 degrees.  The winds will be blowing about 7 mph with a humidity level of about 63%.  Plus, there is a slight chance of rain. This will be a drastic change from the cold New York, but at least the Boys in Blue had spent most of the preseason in sunny California.

Injury report

NYCFC has three players unavailable for the MLS Opener: Tayvon Gray (leg), Malachi Jones (leg), and Thiago Martins (leg).

Players to watch

NYCFC supporters should watch Alonso Martínez.  The striker had a good preseason, scoring four goals in four matches.  The natural winger also spent some time on the wings, showing he can still play in his natural position.  However, the team overall was better when he was front and center.  Jansen must start Martínez as the striker, for they have a higher chance of scoring with him there compared to Mounsef Bakrar.

On Miami, fans should watch Messi.  This is an easy choice, but fans should also watch to see whether he starts.  He was part of the Starting XI in a midweek CONCACAF Champions Cup fixture, and the team’s head coach Javier Mascherano revealed not everyone will be available.  If Messi is one of those players and other stars do not play, then perhaps the Pigeons will have a chance.

Prediction

NYCFC finished the preseason with a 3-1-2 record.  However, some flaws were on display and there are questions about the team.  At the same time, there is a chance Miami will not field their strongest Starting XI despite this being the home opener for them.  Hence, it is difficult to make a solid prediction.

If the Herons fail to field a strong side, then the two teams will end in a 1-1 draw.  If enough stars start, then NYCFC will fall 2-0.  It is not expected that the Boys in Blue will win.