Messi makes MLS history with back-to-back MVP Awards

Lionel Messi has added another milestone to an already unmatched career. The Inter Miami star has claimed the 2025 MLS Most Valuable Player award, becoming the first footballer in league history to win the honour in consecutive seasons.

Messi sealed the achievement after delivering one of the most explosive attacking seasons MLS has witnessed. His two-assist performance in the MLS Cup final helped Inter Miami defeat the Vancouver Whitecaps 3–1 and secure the club’s first championship, a fitting conclusion to a season where the 38-year-old rewrote the record books yet again.

Related News: Messi inspires Inter Miami to first MLS Cup title in 3–1 triumph over Vancouver

Messi finished the 2025 regular season with 29 goals, earning the MLS Golden Boot. Combined with his 19 assists, he produced 48 goal contributions in just 28 matches, the second-highest total ever recorded in a single MLS season.

His impact stretched far beyond raw numbers:

• He delivered three or more goal contributions in nine different matches, another league record.
• He became the first MLS player to record 10 multi-goal games in one season, overtaking a mark previously shared by Stern John, Mamadou Diallo, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
• Between May 28 and July 12, Messi scored in five straight matches, hitting 10 goals, making him the only MLS player with a multi-goal streak longer than four games.

The voting reflected his dominance. Messi earned more than 70% of all ballots, leaving his closest challenger, San Diego FC winger Anders Dreyer — far behind with just over 11%.

Legacy Continues to Grow

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner already holds one of the most decorated careers in football history, and these back-to-back MLS MVP awards add to a collection that includes:

• World Cup champion (2022)
• Three The Best FIFA Men’s Player awards
• Two World Cup Golden Balls
• Three UEFA Men’s Player of the Year awards
• Six European Golden Shoes
• Eight Pichichi Trophies
• Fifteen Argentine Footballer of the Year honours

Messi recently extended his contract with Inter Miami through 2028, signalling his commitment to a long-term project in MLS as he continues to draw global attention to the league.

What Comes Next?

One question remains unanswered: Will Messi play in the 2026 World Cup?

Argentina will aim to defend their title in the expanded tournament across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, but Messi has yet to confirm his participation.

For now, he stands alone in MLS history, a back-to-back MVP, a champion again, and still redefining excellence deep into the final chapter of his career.

SportsLigue