Lionel Messi Secures Back-too-Back MLS MVP Awards, Leads Inter miami to Championship
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A dominant performance throughout the 2025 season has cemented Lionel Messi‘s status as the premier player in Major League Soccer, earning him the coveted MVP award for the second consecutive year. The Argentine captain led Inter Miami to their first-ever championship title this past weekend, a feat they narrowly missed achieving in 2024.
Why did this happen? Messi’s exceptional skill and leadership were instrumental in Inter Miami’s success.His ability to both score and create opportunities for teammates proved decisive throughout the season and playoffs.
Messi’s Historic Season
The eight-time Ballon d’or winner is the first player in MLS history to win the MVP title in back-to-back seasons. Previously, only Predrag Radosavljevic, known as Preki, had been honored twice, but with a six-year gap between awards – in 1997 and 2003. Preki also notably competed in the 1998 World Cup with the United States.
Messi’s impact extended beyond the regular season, with a remarkable six goals and nine assists in the playoffs, including two crucial assists in the championship final against Vancouver, which inter Miami won 3-1. He was also named the best player in that title-deciding match.
Who was involved? The key players were Lionel Messi, leading Inter Miami, and their opponents in the championship final, the Vancouver Whitecaps. Preki, a former MLS MVP, is also referenced as a ancient comparison.
Statistical Dominance
The 38-year-old forward finished the regular season with an extraordinary 29 goals in 28 matches, alongside 19 assists. This accomplishment makes him only the second player in MLS history to lead the league in both goals and assists in the same season. The first was Sebastian Giovinco in 2015 while playing for Toronto, after having previously developed his skills at Juventus.
“It’s a special and marvelous moment, a prosperous year for the whole group. This first title is historic,” Messi stated following the victory, expressing his gratitude and joy.
What happened? Lionel Messi led Inter Miami to their first MLS championship in 2025,earning his second consecutive MVP award. He dominated statistically, leading the league in both goals and assists.
A legacy Continues
Messi’s accolades aren’t limited to North America. He previously received the MVP honor six times while playing for FC Barcelona in La Liga. Other European stars have also found success in MLS, including Robbie Keane (2014) and David Villa (2016), a former teammate of Messi’s at Barcelona.
The decision to award Messi the MVP was overwhelmingly supported, with 70% of the votes coming from a panel comprised of journalists, players, and representatives from MLS franchises. As Messi awaits confirmation regarding his participation in the 2026 World Cup, he continues to add to his already legendary career.
How did it end? Inter Miami defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the championship final, securing their first MLS title. Messi was named the match’s best player and later awarded the league’s MVP for the second year running.
