The big day has finally come for MLS fans.
Known as Decision Day, it truly is a huge moment for many teams in MLS as they vie for a coveted spot in the post-season cup playoffs.
Here's all you need to know ahead of MLS Decision Day 2023.
What is MLS Decision Day 2023?
Decision Day is basically the last game of the 2023 MLS season. It gets its name due to the fact that some of the places in the annual MLS Cup playoffs are decided on the final day - hence why the American league has decided to call it "Decision Day".
When is MLS Decision Day 2023?
MLS Decision Day 2023 will be taking place on Saturday, October 21st. Some of the matches kick off at 6 pm EST (3 pm PST) while the rest have a starting time of 9 pm EST (6 pm PST).
How can I watch MLS Decision Day 2023?
All 14 matches from MLS Decision Day 2023 will be live-streamed via MLS Pass on Apple TV. This service is available in the USA plus a wide range of other countries, including the UK, Canada, Mexico, and Australia.
Will Lionel Messi and Inter Miami be taking part in MLS Decision Day 2023?
The short answer to this question is yes. However, Messi and his Inter Miami teammates will be merely playing for pride when they face Charlotte in their last regular season match of 2023. Despite the Herons experiencing a huge uptick in form when Messi joined them earlier this summer, the celebrations were short-lived after the Argentinian superstar picked up an injury that kept him on the sidelines for weeks.
It was always going to be a long-shot for Inter Miami to reach the playoffs after a horrible start to the season, and in the end it appeared to be a bridge too far for the Herons, who come into their upcoming match sitting in 14th place and after losing to Eastern Conference leaders Cincinnati a few rounds back, were eliminated from the post-season playoff competition.
However, fans may get a chance to see Messi back on the pitch, as numerous reports indicate that the 36-year-old could be involved in some capacity in his team's final game of the season.
How many teams have qualified for the postseason playoffs ahead of MLS Decision Day 2023?
So far, 13 teams have already qualified for the postseason playoffs ahead of MLS Decision Day 2023. A total of 18 teams are eligible to feature (nine from the Eastern Conference and nine from the Western Conference).
In the Eastern Conference, seven teams have already qualified: Cincinnati, Orlando City, Philadelphia Union, Columbus Crew, New England Revolution, Atlanta United and Nashville.
Meanwhile, in the Western Conference, six teams have already qualified: St Louis City, Los Angeles, Seattle Sounders, Houston Dynamo, Real Salt Lake and Vancouver Whitecaps.
What teams will be battling for a playoff spot heading into MLS Decision Day 2023?
In the Eastern Conference, there are only two spots remaining. With Inter Miami, Toronto, and DC United already eliminated, the battle will be contested between the following teams: Chicago Fire, Charlotte FC, New York City, Montréal, and New York Red Bulls.
Over in the Western Conference, there are three spots remaining to complete the set of nine. San Jose Earthquakes, Sporting Kansas City, Minnesota United, Portland Timbers, and Dallas will be the teams fighting for the last three spots, with Austin, LA Galaxy, and Colorado Rapids already eliminated.
What are some of the key games taking place on MLS Decision Day 2023?
Given that both are battling for a playoff spot in the Western Conference, Minnesota United vs Sporting Kansas City is set to be a real nail-biter for fans and neutrals alike. Meanwhile, the Eastern Conference also has a crunch clash starring New York City and Chicago Fire, both of who are among the teams all hoping to book a ticket to the postseason MLS Cup.
Make sure you do not miss out on these key games and all matches taking place during MLS Decision Day 2023 by bookmarking our special MLS matchpage here.
