By Martin Graham
Lionel Messi has been honored as Major League Soccer’s standout performer for a second consecutive year, becoming the first figure in the league’s history to secure the award twice in succession. His influence was central as Inter Miami captured their maiden MLS Cup, with the veteran playmaker setting up two goals in a decisive 3-1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps.
The Argentine forward also finished as the league’s most prolific scorer, delivering 29 finishes during the 2025 regular campaign. Across all competitions that year, he produced 48 direct attacking involvements in 28 appearances, the second-highest tally ever recorded in a single MLS season.
Messi’s form included at least three decisive contributions in nine separate outings — another benchmark unmatched in the competition. His efforts were recognized overwhelmingly, taking more than 70% of the voting share from club staff, journalists, and fellow professionals, far ahead of runner-up Anders Dreyer of San Diego.
Record-setting scoring streaks
Across the season, the 38-year-old registered ten matches with multiple goals, surpassing the shared previous high mark held by Stern John, Mamadou Diallo, and Zlatan Ibrahimović. His productivity spanned a remarkable sequence from late May to mid-July, during which he found the net ten times over five consecutive fixtures.
This blistering period made him the first MLS competitor to maintain a multi-goal run longer than four matches. The sustained output contributed significantly to Miami’s campaign as they pushed toward silverware and consolidated their status among the league’s strongest squads.
Messi’s extraordinary consistency at this stage of his career further cemented his status as an enduring force in the sport, even after decades of competing at the highest level.
Career achievements and future plans
The Inter Miami captain extended his contract earlier this year, committing to remain with the Florida club through the conclusion of the 2028 season. His latest honor adds to a long catalogue of distinctions accumulated across his time with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Argentina, and now MLS.
Among his numerous accolades are the 2022 World Cup triumph, multiple global player-of-the-year titles, two World Cup Golden Balls, and a collection of league-specific scoring and performance honors from Europe and South America. His achievements in North America now stand alongside that storied list.
However, Messi has not yet clarified whether he intends to represent Argentina at the 2026 World Cup, which will unfold across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Supporters continue to await confirmation as the tournament approaches.