Messi gets MLS Cup, NYCFC gets graded

We're coming to grips with the end of another Major League Soccer season to begin Episode 68, as we revisit Inter Miami CF's 3-1 win over Vancouver Whitecaps FC in the 2025 MLS Cup final. Lionel Messi and this Miami super-team added another trophy to the collection, and we're in agreement that Messi had to win MLS Cup in Given that Hudson River Blue is in the midst of publishing a series of final 2025 report cards for members of the New York City FC roster, we then dedicate a big chunk of this episode to running through some of our own 2025 season superlatives. Each of hosts Mark Radigan and John Baney and producer Andrew Leigh grade the totality of the New York City FC season, then name their Player of the Season, most memorable moments, best new arrivals, and most improved players. Once our end-of-year grading of NYCFC is wrapped up, we move on to talking about the hours-long spectacle that was the 2026 FIFA World Cup Draw, and more importantly, all the World Cup groups and group-stage matches confirmed by the draw. We discuss the favorable but not what we'd call easy draw for the United States men's national team, and the five enticing group matches confirmed for MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, while calling out a few other games and groups we're excited to watch next summer. Listen to the episode in its entirety, then find more of our coverage at HudsonRiverBlue.com or on social media via Bluesky, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.