Messi makes history with back-to-back MLS 2025 MVP and ties with Preki for award wins

Major League Soccer announced that Lionel Messi, striker and captain of Inter Miami CF, was named the league’s Jogador Mais Valioso for 2025. The Argentine received the Prêmio Landon Donovan MVP for the second consecutive season. Messi became the first player in the history of the competition to win the award in consecutive years. The voting involved players, coaches and specialized journalists.

The individual performance of Messi in 2025 was decisive for the choice. Ele led MLS with 29 goals and 19 assists in 28 matches played. Esses numbers represented 48 direct goal contributions. Messi surpassed his own mark from 2024, when he recorded 20 goals and 16 assists. The campaign included at least three contributions in a league-record nine games.

The award recognizes the player’s impact on the club’s performance and the league as a whole. Messi contributed to Inter Miami gaining significant points in the regular season. The team achieved impressive results with the Argentine’s constant participation.

Landon Donovan MVP Award History

The Prêmio Landon Donovan MVP has been awarded annually since 1996 to the most valuable player in MLS. The honor changed its name in 2015 to honor former striker Landon Donovan. Donovan won the award in 2009, during his time at Los Angeles Galaxy.

Preki was the first to win the award twice. The Slovenian midfielder won it in 1997 for Kansas City Wizards and in 2003 for the same club. Messi equaled this mark in 2025. Nenhum another player had repeated the feat until then.

Other notable winners include Carlos Valderrama in 1996 for Tampa Bay Mutiny. Jogadores as well as Marco Etcheverry, Jason Kreis and Sebastian Giovinco also appear on the historical list. D.C. United has the most winners, with four wins in total.

Messi’s performance in the 2025 season

Messi played in 28 regular season games. Ele scored 29 goals and distributed 19 assists. Esses totals put him at the top of the league’s individual statistics. The Argentine also won the Botín of Oro presented by Audi as top scorer.

Inter Miami benefited directly from the actions of Messi. The team recorded important victories and remained competitive throughout the year. Messi participated in decisive matches with multiple goal contributions.

The election considered the votes of three main groups. Jogadores from MLS, members of the technical committees and press outlets participated in the selection. Messi obtained a high percentage of preference in all categories.

Comparison with previous records

Preki accumulated his two victories in distant seasons. Ele played for long periods at Kansas City Wizards. Messi reached the same level in just two full seasons in the league.

Messi stood out for his consistency and volume of offensive production. Seus numbers of goals and assists surpassed previous campaigns by other winners. The double consecutive victory reinforces the Argentine’s immediate impact in MLS.

Impact on Inter Miami and the league

The arrival of Messi transformed Inter Miami into one of the most targeted teams in the competition. The club began to attract greater global attention. Messi maintained a high level even with increasing competition at the Leste conference.

MLS registered an increase in interest in the Argentine’s performances. Partidas of Inter Miami had greater audience and public presence. Messi contributed to raising the league’s technical standard.

The award confirms Messi’s status as an individual reference in MLS. Ele joins Preki as two-time Landon Donovan MVP champion. The achievement paves the way for discussions about legacy in the competition.

Key campaign statistics for Messi

Messi played 28 matches in the 2025 regular season. Ele scored 29 goals in total. The Argentine registered 19 assists during the games.

He achieved at least three contributions on nine occasions. Esse number represents a unique record in MLS history. Messi led the combined goals and assists statistics.

The Botín of Oro came with the MVP. Messi is the fourth player in the last decade to achieve both in the same season. The double honor highlights his offensive dominance.

Next steps for Messi in MLS

Messi remains the centerpiece of the Inter Miami. The club plans future competitions with the Argentine in the squad. The 2025 season ended with significant individual achievements for him.

MLS continues to monitor the performance of Messi. Seu impact continues to be monitored by fans and experts. The 2025 award reinforces its position in the league.