Messi secured 70,43% of the total votes, significantly surpassing rivals Anders Dreyer, Denis Bouanga, Evander, and Sam Surridge. He received 83,05% of votes from the media, 55,17% from players, and 73,08% from clubs.
Awarded in 2025, Messi became the first player to win the officially named Landon Donovan MLS MVP award for two consecutive seasons. He is also only the second person to receive the award twice, after Preki, who was honored in 1997 and 2003.
"This has been a long year, with many matches and travel, but also a historic one as we won our first MLS Cup. For a young club, this achievement is special," the 38-year-old forward shared upon receiving the award.
Inter Miami's under-16 captain presents the 2025 Landon Donovan MLS MVP award to Lionel Messi.
Messi had an explosive season, with 29 goals and 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 feat in MLS history. This performance earned Messi three player of the month titles and six player of the week awards, setting a new league record.
Inter Miami's captain also secured the MLS golden boot, was named to the best XI, and dominated several statistical categories: the first player with 10 multi-goal games in a 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, helping Inter Miami secure their first MLS Cup championship. In the final, the Argentine superstar provided two assists, contributing to the team's 3-1 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps.
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Lionel Messi receives the 2025 Landon Donovan MLS MVP award on 9/12. *AFP*
Since joining Inter Miami in the summer of 2023, Messi has helped the team win the Leagues Cup, the 2024 Supporters’ Shield, set a season points record, and now the MLS championship. Individually, he holds the 2023 rookie of the year title, the 2025 golden boot, and two consecutive MLS MVP awards.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber commented: "Messi is the unicorn of all unicorns. His approach to football, intensity in play, and desire to win make him the greatest player."
With the 2025 MVP, Messi continues to add to his extensive collection of individual accolades, including eight Ballon d'Or awards, eight Pichichi trophies, six La Liga best player awards, three Best FIFA Men’s Player awards, and numerous other honors. He is also the most decorated player in men's football history, with 47 titles at club and Argentina national team levels.
Highlights of Inter Miami's 3-1 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps.
Hong Duy (according to ESPN, MLS)
