Lionel Messi Dominates MLS Again, Winning Back-to-Back MVP Awards

Lionel Messi has once again cemented his legendary status by becoming the first player in Major League Soccer (MLS) history to win back-to-back MVP awards. The Inter Miami forward delivered an outstanding 2025 season, guiding his team to the MLS Cup and setting multiple league records along the way.

Messi’s 2025 season was nothing short of phenomenal. Across 28 matches, he scored 29 goals and provided 19 assists, totaling 48 goal contributions, the second-highest single-season total in MLS history. His dominance on the field was instrumental in Inter Miami securing its first-ever MLS Cup, with Messi delivering two assists in the final against Vancouver Whitecaps, leading to a 3-1 victory.

He also won the MLS Golden Boot, awarded to the league’s top scorer. Messi became only the second MLS player to lead in both goals and assists in a single season, matching Sebastian Giovinco’s 2015 feat.

Messi set additional records including:

• First MLS player to record 10 multi-goal games in a single season
• Longest multi-goal streak in MLS history, scoring in five consecutive games from May 28 to July 12
• At least three goal contributions in nine matches, another league record

With these achievements, Messi averaged 1.78 goal involvements per 90 minutes, further solidifying his influence as the most impactful MLS player in history.

Awards and Recognition

Lionel Messi’s achievements earned him numerous accolades for the 2025 MLS season:

• MLS MVP: 2nd consecutive win – First player in MLS history to win back-to-back MVPs
• MLS Cup MVP: Winner – Two assists in 3-1 win against Vancouver Whitecaps
• MLS Golden Boot: 29 goals – Top scorer of 2025 MLS season
• MLS Player of the Month: 3 times – Recognized for outstanding performances
• MLS Best XI: Selection – Second MLS Best XI selection
• MLS Player of the Matchday: 6 times – Consistent top performer across the season

Messi won 70.43% of the total MVP vote, leaving his nearest challenger, Anders Dreyer of San Diego FC, with just 11.15%. Other top contenders included Denis Bouanga, Evander, and Sam Surridge.

In the MVP voting, Messi dominated across all categories. The full breakdown of votes is:

1. Lionel Messi – Inter Miami CF: Media Vote 83.05%, Player Vote 55.17%, Club Vote 73.08%, Total Vote 70.43%
2. Anders Dreyer – San Diego FC: Media Vote 6.78%, Player Vote 18.97%, Club Vote 7.69%, Total Vote 11.15%
3. Denis Bouanga – LAFC: Media Vote 3.39%, Player Vote 6.90%, Club Vote 11.54%, Total Vote 7.27%
4. Evander – FC Cincinnati: Media Vote 2.26%, Player Vote 12.07%, Club Vote 0.00%, Total Vote 4.78%
5. Sam Surridge – Nashville SC: Media Vote 1.69%, Player Vote 1.72%, Club Vote 3.85%, Total Vote 2.42%

Messi’s overwhelming support from media, players, and clubs highlights his unmatched impact in MLS.

Messi’s Broader Impact

Beyond statistics, Messi’s presence has transformed MLS and Inter Miami. His leadership, vision, and technical skill have elevated the club to new heights, attracting global attention to the league. Messi’s influence extends off the field as well, inspiring a generation of young players and fans in North America.

At 38 years old, Messi also extended his contract with Inter Miami until 2028, signaling a long-term commitment to the club and continued dominance in MLS. He remains a candidate to feature for Argentina in the 2026 World Cup, which will be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Historical Significance

Lionel Messi now joins elite company in MLS history:

• First player to win back-to-back MVPs
• Only the second player to win multiple MLS MVP awards (after Preki, 1997 & 2003)
• Record-breaking multi-goal streaks and contributions

Messi’s 2025 season will be remembered as one of the most dominant individual campaigns in MLS history, combining record-breaking statistics with team success.