Lionel Messi Wins Back-to-Back MLS MVP Awards

Lionel Messi has etched his name further into Major League Soccer history, securing the coveted Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for an unprecedented second consecutive season. This remarkable achievement makes him the first player in MLS history to win the award back-to-back.

The Inter Miami superstar’s influence was pivotal in his team’s triumph, providing two crucial assists in their 3-1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps to claim the MLS Cup – Inter Miami’s first ever. This victory capped off a stellar season for the Argentine legend.

Adding to his accolades, Messi also clinched the league’s Golden Boot, recognizing him as the top scorer in the 2025 regular season with an impressive 29 goals. His overall contribution was staggering, amassing 48 goals and assists in just 28 matches.

Remarkably, Messi recorded at least three goal contributions in nine separate matches throughout the season – a new league record. He also broke the record for most multi-goal games in a single campaign, netting braces or hat-tricks in 10 matches, surpassing the previous record of eight held by Stern John, Mamadou Diallo, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

From May 28th to July 12th, Messi demonstrated his exceptional form by scoring in five consecutive games, totaling 10 goals. This established another MLS first – a multi-goal streak exceeding four matches.

The 38-year-old’s commitment to Inter Miami extends beyond this season, having recently signed a contract extension that will keep him with the club until the end of the 2028 campaign. He has also been recognized with two MLS Best XI selections.

The MLS MVP award, a tradition since 1996, is determined by votes from MLS club technical staff, media members, and current players. Messi dominated the voting process, securing over 70% of the vote, leaving San Diego winger Anders Dreyer far behind with just over 11%.

This latest honor adds to Messi’s already glittering collection of individual awards, which includes the 2022 FIFA World Cup, three The Best FIFA Men’s Player awards, and two World Cup Golden Balls. He has also been recognized with three UEFA Men’s Player of the Year awards, six European Golden Shoes, six La Liga Best Player awards, eight Pichichi Trophies, and 15 Argentine Footballer of the Year awards.

While his future with the Argentinian national team remains uncertain, Messi is yet to confirm his participation in the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Fans will be eagerly awaiting his decision.

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