This article was originally published on www.si.com as Bogey Teams, Muller, Messi: LAFC’s Complete Route to 2025 MLS Cup.

After overcoming a serious leg injury, FC Cincinnati defender Nick Hagglund has been named the 2025 MLS Comeback Player of the Year.

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.

Look at the MLS playoff field long enough and you can make a case that all 16 teams have what it takes to be contenders -- or that they're pretenders.

It's a do-or-die wildcard round followed by the best-of-three first round as MLS begins the march towards a champions ...