The 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs are here, and Lionel Messi is red hot as Inter Miami enters the postseason in search of their first MLS Cup.

MORE — Messi scores hat trick to secure MLS Golden Boot

The Herons finished just shy of the Supporters’ Shield, missing out on the top points total by a single point, as Messi rang up a league-best 29 goals and second-best 16 assists despite playing in just 28 league games.

Here’s how the playoffs work and who Messi’s Miami face next as the roads to the MLS Cup Final go through Philadelphia and San Diego.

2025 MLS Cup Playoffs format explained

Nine teams from each conference make the MLS Cup Playoffs, and the top four seeds in each conference get the best situations.

There are single-elimination wild card matches between each conference’s eight and

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