Messi makes history with second consecutive MLS MVP award

Lionel Messi holding the MLS MVP Award... Credit: @FabrizioRomano | X

Kindly share this story:

Argentine superstar, Lionel Messi, has been named the Landon Donovan MLS Most Valuable Player for the 2025 season, becoming the first player in league history to claim the award in back-to-back seasons.

League commissioner Don Garber announced the award on Tuesday.

The announcement caps a remarkable year for the Inter Miami CF forward, who led his team to their first MLS Cup victory while delivering extraordinary individual performances.

Messi scored 29 goals and provided 19 assists in 28 appearances, just one short of Carlos Vela’s record for goal contributions in a single season, though Vela’s came in 31 games.

He joins Kansas City Wizards legend Preki as the only players to win the MVP award twice, and he is the first to do so consecutively.

At 38 years old, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is not the oldest MLS MVP; that distinction also belongs to Preki, who won the award at age 40 in 2003.

He delivered the best attacking season in MLS history, anchoring Miami’s star-studded lineup.

While the MVP considers regular-season performance, Messi and Miami competed on five fronts in 2025, setting an MLS record with 58 games played in a calendar year.

Though Vela still holds the regular-season goal contributions record, Messi set a new benchmark across regular season and playoffs with 61 goal contributions, surpassing Vela’s 52.

He was particularly decisive in the playoffs, scoring six goals and providing seven assists in Miami’s six-game run to the MLS Cup, where he was named Final MVP following a two-assist performance.

Messi also finished the regular season strongly, scoring 10 goals and assisting nine in Miami’s last eight games.

The other MVP finalists were LAFC’s Denis Bouanga, San Diego FC’s Anders Dreyer, FC Cincinnati midfielder Evander, and Nashville SC striker Sam Surridge. While each had strong seasons, Messi’s dominance made the choice clear.

Messi won with 70% of the total vote, which was split among media members, MLS players, and MLS club staff.

He captured 83% of the media vote, 55% of the player vote, and 73% of the club vote. Dreyer finished second with 11% of the total vote.

Kindly share this story:

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

Contact: [email protected]

UPDATE NEWS: Nigerians can now invest ₦2.5million on premium domains and profit about ₦17-₦25Million. All earnings paid in US Dollars. Rather than wonder, 👉 click here to find out how it work (Be sure to ask for evidence of clients that have benefitted from this)

Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The Punch Newspaper on WhatsApp for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don't miss a headline – join now!

Stay in the know—fast. Get instant alerts, breaking headlines, and exclusive stories with the Punch News App. Download now and never miss a beat.