Messi will compete with forward Adrian Martinez (Racing) and midfielder Giorgian De Arrascaeta (Flamengo) for the "King of America" award, presented by El Pais newspaper. This trio received the most votes in the traditional survey conducted by the prestigious Uruguayan newspaper. The winner will be announced on 31/12.

Messi celebrates the MLS Cup 2025 championship after Inter Miami defeated Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the final at Chase Stadium on 6/12. *Photo: Reuters*.

Messi has not previously won this award. Last year, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner received 14 votes, placing 5th, while the 2024 "King of America" award went to Luis Henrique Andre of Botafogo.

In the past year, Messi led Inter Miami to an MLS championship and helped Argentina secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup. The 38-year-old superstar became the first player in MLS history to win the Player of the Season title in two consecutive years, concluding the 2025 season with numerous records and Inter Miami's first nationwide championship.

Messi had an explosive season, scoring 29 goals and providing 19 assists in just 28 matches, leading MLS in both statistics. This marks the second consecutive season Messi has contributed to at least 36 goals, an unprecedented achievement in MLS history. This stellar performance earned Messi three Player of the Month titles and six Player of the Week awards, setting new league records.

The Inter Miami captain also secured the MLS Golden Boot, was named to the Best XI, and dominated numerous statistical categories. He became the first player to record 10 multi-goal games in a single season and the only player to score two or more goals in more than four consecutive matches.

In the playoffs, Messi excelled with 6 goals and 9 assists, playing a key role in Inter Miami's first MLS Cup championship. Throughout 2025, combining club and national team appearances, Messi played 54 matches, scoring 46 goals and providing 26 assists.

Among the two remaining candidates, Adrian Martinez led Racing to victory in the Recopa Sudamericana and reached the semifinals of the Copa Libertadores. Meanwhile, De Arrascaeta helped Flamengo secure four titles this season: the Brazilian championship, Copa Libertadores, Brazilian Super Cup, and the Rio de Janeiro state championship. The Uruguayan midfielder also earned the Copa Libertadores best player award, leading Flamengo in both goals and assists in Brazil's top league.

The "King of America" award has been presented by El Pais newspaper since 1986. Since its inception, Carlos Tevez (Argentina) holds the record for the most wins, having received the award three times.

Vy Anh