Lionel Messi has been awarded the MLS MVP for the second consecutive year, marking him as the first player in league history to achieve this feat, as announced on Tuesday.
The Inter Miami forward outperformed competitors like LAFC’s Dennis Bouanga, San Diego FC’s Anders Dreyer, FC Cincinnati’s Evander, and Nashville SC’s Sam Surridge. Messi secured 70.43% of the total votes, with 83.05% coming from fellow MLS players, 55.17% from the players’ votes, and 73.08% from clubs.
In the regular season, Messi made 28 appearances, netting 29 goals and providing 19 assists. His total contributions of 48 goals were just shy of the MLS record of 49 set by Carlos Vela in 2019.
In addition to winning the MVP, Messi earned his first Golden Boot as the league’s top scorer. Over his second full season in MLS, he achieved multiple goals in 10 matches, including a hat trick in the season finale against Nashville. So far, Messi has scored 50 goals within his first two and a half seasons in the league.
Following Inter Miami’s victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS Cup final on Saturday, the 38-year-old has led the team to three titles, including the 2023 League Cup and the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield. Messi will remain in South Florida for at least three more seasons after signing a contract extension in October.
Fan Take: This news is significant for soccer enthusiasts as it underscores Messi’s dominance in the league, potentially raising the profile of MLS globally. His ongoing presence in the league could attract more talent and viewers, bolstering the sport’s growth in North America.
