Lionel Messi has been awarded the MLS MVP title for the second straight year after leading his team to victory in the MLS Cup on Saturday. He concluded the season with an impressive tally of 29 goals and 19 assists, marking the second-highest contribution in league history. Messi joins Sebastian Giovinco as the only players in MLS history to finish as the top scorer and assist provider in the same season.
This season’s MVP award is notable because no player has previously won it consecutively; however, Preki did take home the title twice in 1997 and 2003, a different era than today’s MLS, which features rising talent among both youth and established stars. At 38, Messi has proven to be a reliable performer, scoring in ten matches and managing to go without a goal or assist in only five of his 28 appearances. Since joining Inter Miami from PSG in 2023, he has consistently been a finalist for the MVP award, amassing 50 goals and 35 assists in just 53 regular season matches.
In this latest season, Messi triumphed over contenders such as Anders Dreyer of San Diego FC and Dennis Bouanga of Los Angeles FC, winning an overwhelming 70% of the total votes from media, players, and club officials. In the postseason, he further solidified his dominance by setting records with 15 goals, six rebounds, and nine assists, helping his team secure their first-ever MLS Cup. So far, Messi has brought three trophies to Miami and has signed an extension to play until 2028, making him a strong contender for another MVP award next season.
Next season is set to bring changes for Miami, with the retirements of Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, but co-owner Jorge Mas has pledged to strengthen the squad. With the arrival of players such as Rodrigo de Paul, along with a new stadium, expectations for success remain high. Messi’s influence on the team suggests he could continue to elevate the club beyond previous expectations—an embodiment of what it means to be an MVP.
Fan Take: This news is significant for soccer enthusiasts as Messi’s continued excellence in MLS not only amplifies the league’s profile but also attracts global attention, ensuring that it remains competitive on the world stage. His presence and performance can inspire both players and fans alike, potentially leading to a new era of growth and recognition for soccer in the U.S.
