Galaxy playmaker Riqui Puig will miss the MLS Cup Final and the start of the 2025 season after tearing an ACL in his left knee during Saturday’s 1-0 Western Conference semifinal win over the Seattle Sounders, the club announced on known on Sunday.

There was no official timetable for Puig’s return, but recovery from a torn ACL can take between six and 12 months. He is expected to undergo surgery in the coming days.

Puig, who set up Dejan Joveljic’s decisive goal in the 85th minute^Th Minute, continued to play for 30 minutes after sustaining injury. Before he limped tearfully into the locker room after the final whistle, he motioned for his parents to come down from the stands and join him on the field, where they wrapped their arms around him and tried to comfort him. Galaxy coach Greg Vanney was also seen hugging and comforting Puig, who was wearing a towel over his head at the time.

Puig was not made available to the media after the game.

Puig, 25, set career highs in goals (13) and assists (15) during the regular season, then added four more goals and three assists in four playoff games. In his third MLS season, the former Barcelona player is the undisputed catalyst for the Galaxy’s dynamic offense.

With Puig at quarterback, the Galaxy became the first team in MLS history to have four players – Puig, Jovelic, Joseph Paintsil and Gabriel Pec – score 10 or more goals in the same season. Three of the four also managed double-digit assists for the Galaxy, who tied the franchise’s modern scoring record with 69 goals.

Puig, who is guaranteed $4.64 million this year, signed a contract extension through the 2027 season in May.

Saturday’s MLS Cup final with the New York Red Bulls marks the Galaxy’s first appearance in the league championship game since 2014. The Galaxy have won five MLS Cups, a league record.