Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi secured his second consecutive Major League Soccer (MLS) Most Valuable Player (MVP) award on Monday, cementing his unparalleled impact on the North American league since his arrival in 2023.
The Argentine forward, who led Inter Miami to a dramatic late-season playoff push, was the overwhelming choice in voting by current MLS players, club technical staff, and select media representatives. Messi is now the first player in MLS history to win the prestigious award in two successive seasons.
The 38-year-old World Cup winner finished the 2025 season with 24 goals and 20 assists in 30 league appearances, narrowly missing the single-season goal record but setting a new benchmark for combined goals and assists in a single campaign.
“Messi’s mastery on the field continues to elevate the profile of our league and inspire millions globally,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber, acknowledging the player’s immense contribution to the league’s visibility and competitiveness.
Upon receiving the award, Messi expressed his gratitude to his teammates and the club’s supporters. “This award is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of the entire Inter Miami family,” Messi stated. “It is a privilege to compete in MLS and share this journey with our incredible fans.”
Messi’s exceptional performance helped Inter Miami secure a spot in the MLS Cup playoffs, although the team was ultimately eliminated in the Eastern Conference final. He is expected to lead Argentina in the Copa America next summer before returning to MLS for the 2026 season.
