MLS Power Rankings 2025: Messi's Impact Fuels Miami's Rise to the Top

Explore the latest MLS Power Rankings as Lionel Messi's return propels Inter Miami up the standings, while San Diego FC continues to dominate the league.

The 2025 MLS season is in full swing, and ESPN's Power Rankings have been updated to reflect the latest performances across the league. Here's a detailed look at the top teams and key players making headlines this week.

1. San Diego FC

Previous ranking: 2 Anders Dreyer is making a strong case for league MVP, scoring the game-winning goal in San Diego's 2-1 victory over San Jose. The expansion club has now secured six consecutive away wins and sits atop the Supporters' Shield standings.

2. Inter Miami CF

Previous ranking: 3 Lionel Messi returned from injury and immediately made his presence felt in Miami's 3-1 win against the LA Galaxy. Messi scored the go-ahead goal and assisted Luis Suárez for the third, showcasing his unmatched skill and impact on the game.

3. FC Cincinnati

Previous ranking: 4 Kevin Kelsy's brace wasn't enough to overcome Cincinnati's early dominance, as they led 3-0 within 36 minutes. Former Timbers player Evander scored the match-winner, silencing his former fans with a crucial goal.

4. Philadelphia Union

Previous ranking: 1 After a strong run, Philly stumbled with a 1-0 loss to the New York Red Bulls, marking their first defeat to NYRB in six years and costing them the top spot in the Supporters' Shield standings.

5. Seattle Sounders

Previous ranking: 5 Seattle suffered their first regular-season defeat since June 8, losing 1-0 to Minnesota United. Despite dominating possession and creating more chances, they couldn't break through Minnesota's defense.

6. Vancouver Whitecaps

Previous ranking: 6 Thomas Müller made his MLS debut for Vancouver, but the team had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Houston. The future looks promising with Müller on board, but results need to improve.

7. Orlando City

Previous ranking: 7 Orlando City continued their scoring spree with a 3-1 win over Kansas City, marking their third straight game with three or more goals. They remain a formidable force in the league.

8. Minnesota United

Previous ranking: 11 Minnesota ended Seattle's winning streak with a 1-0 victory, thanks to a set-piece goal and stellar goalkeeping from Dayne St. Clair.

9. Charlotte FC

Previous ranking: 10 Charlotte secured their sixth straight win with a 1-0 victory over Real Salt Lake, maintaining their impressive form as they prepare for a tough match against the Red Bulls.

10. LAFC

Previous ranking: 12 LAFC's new star, Son Heung-Min, made his first start and recorded an assist in a 2-0 win against New England. The Son era is just beginning, but LAFC's stock is already on the rise.

11. Columbus Crew

Previous ranking: 9 Columbus controlled the game but conceded a late equalizer in a 1-1 draw with Toronto, dropping valuable points in their quest for the Shield.

12. Nashville SC

Previous ranking: 8 Nashville led early but couldn't hold on, losing 2-1 to New York City FC after a weather delay disrupted their momentum.

13. Chicago Fire

Previous ranking: 14 The Fire moved into playoff positions with a 3-2 win over STL, thanks to Brian Gutiérrez's match-winner. They remain undefeated in their last five games.

14. San Jose Earthquakes

Previous ranking: 13 San Jose outplayed San Diego but conceded two late goals, losing 2-1 in a heartbreaking defeat.

15. New York City FC

Previous ranking: 15 NYCFC rallied after a weather delay to secure a 2-1 win against Nashville, showing resilience and determination.

16. New York Red Bulls

Previous ranking: 16 The Red Bulls ended their six-year drought against Philly with a 1-0 win, keeping their playoff hopes alive.

17. Colorado Rapids

Previous ranking: 18 Colorado retired Marcelo Balboa's number and celebrated with a 3-1 win over Atlanta, securing their second straight victory.

18. Austin FC

Previous ranking: 17 Austin settled for a 1-1 draw with Dallas, outplaying their rivals but failing to secure the win.

19. Portland Timbers

Previous ranking: 19 Portland struggled early, conceding three goals in the first 36 minutes, and couldn't recover in a 3-2 loss to Cincinnati.

20. Real Salt Lake

Previous ranking: 20 RSL missed Diego Luna and lost 1-0 to Charlotte, falling just short of the playoff positions.

21. FC Dallas

Previous ranking: 21 Dallas took an early lead but settled for a 1-1 draw with Austin, missing a chance to climb the standings.

22. Houston Dynamo

Previous ranking: 22 Houston salvaged a point with a late equalizer in a 1-1 draw with Vancouver, keeping their playoff hopes alive.

23. LA Galaxy

Previous ranking: 23 The Galaxy put up a fight but were ultimately undone by Messi's brilliance in a 3-1 loss to Miami.

24. New England Revolution

Previous ranking: 25 New England fell 2-0 to LAFC, with Matt Turner unable to stop the new-look LA squad.

25. Toronto FC

Previous ranking: 27 Toronto earned a point in a 1-1 draw with Columbus, but remain outside the playoff positions.

26. CF Montréal

Previous ranking: 24 Montréal managed a 1-1 draw with D.C. United, but their season continues to disappoint.

27. Sporting Kansas City

Previous ranking: 26 Kansas City lost 3-1 to Orlando, continuing their struggles on the defensive end.

28. St. Louis City SC

Previous ranking: 28 St. Louis led briefly but conceded two late goals in a 3-2 loss to Chicago, losing valuable momentum.

29. Atlanta United

Previous ranking: 29 Atlanta's struggles continued with a 3-1 loss to Colorado, extending their winless streak.

30. D.C. United

Previous ranking: 30 D.C. United managed a 1-1 draw with Montréal, but their season remains bleak as they face tough opponents ahead.

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