After claiming the award in 2024, his first full season in MLS, Messi is again the frontrunner this year. His impressive individual statistics, impact on the league's growth, and contributions to Inter Miami are key factors supporting the 38-year-old forward's candidacy.
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Messi scores during Inter Miami's 5-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls in MLS on 20/7. Photo: AP
Messi has tallied 18 goals and 7 assists since the start of the 2025 MLS season. He achieved this in just 18 matches, 17 of which he started, totaling 1,565 minutes of play. The Argentinian forward averages a goal every 63 minutes.
Messi is currently tied with Sam Surridge of Nashville SC, who has played 24 games, for the Golden Boot lead. He also ranks among the top 8 in assists.
Another remarkable statistic is Messi's contribution of 15 goals and 5 assists in his last 12 MLS matches. During this stretch, he set a record with five consecutive games with a brace and was named Man of the Match five times. Since joining Inter Miami in July 2023, Messi has earned this accolade 11 times.
Messi's goals for Inter Miami in 2025.
Only one player, Preki, a former midfielder who won in 1997 and 2003, has earned two MLS Most Valuable Player awards. Messi is not only on track to match this feat but to do so in consecutive years. His main competitor is 27-year-old Danish player Anders Dreyer, who has 11 goals and 13 assists in 24 games for San Diego.
Inter Miami currently sits fifth in the Eastern Conference and seventh overall in the league with 41 points from 21 games, seven points behind leaders FC Cincinnati. However, Messi and his teammates have played three fewer matches. The team leading the overall standings after 34 games will win the Supporters' Shield, a title Inter Miami captured last season.
Thanh Quy