News Summary
As the MLS Decision Day approaches, Lionel Messi stands out as the top candidate for the Landon Donovan MVP award, with incredible stats including 26 goals and 18 assists this season. His performance, highlighted by a recent stellar game against Atlanta United, has helped solidify Inter Miami’s playoff positioning. However, Messi faces tough competition from players like Sam Surridge and Denis Bouanga. The MVP race is heating up with several standout players, making it a closely contested battle as the regular season nears its conclusion.
Miami—As the 2025 MLS Decision Day approaches, Lionel Messi has emerged as the frontrunner in the race for the Landon Donovan MLS MVP award. With just a few games remaining in the regular season, Messi has taken a commanding lead, recording a league-best 26 goals and 18 assists, tying him for the most assists in the league, alongside Anders Dreyer. His impressive total of 44 goal contributions puts him just five shy of Carlos Vela’s single-season record of 49.
In a recent match against Atlanta United, Messi’s performance was stellar, as he notched two goals and provided one assist in a decisive 3-0 victory. He opened the scoring in the 39th minute and secured the win with his second goal in the 87th minute. These contributions have been pivotal in helping Inter Miami secure a playoff position, as they aim for their first MLS Cup title starting October 22.
While Messi is leading the MVP race, he faces stiff competition from other standout players in the league. Sam Surridge of Nashville SC has been a force this season, with 29 goals in 36 games and 23 goals in league play, contributing to his team’s first title victory in the US Open Cup. Denis Bouanga of LAFC is another top contender with 24 goals this season and has set a record as the first player in MLS history to achieve three consecutive seasons with at least 20 goals.
Messi’s fellow competitors also include Evander, who currently plays for FC Cincinnati, and has accumulated a combined total of 32 goals and 33 assists over the last two seasons. His consistent performance boosts his MVP candidacy. Additionally, Martin Ojeda of Orlando City, with 25 direct goal involvements this season (16 goals and 9 assists), is in the mix but finding it challenging to eclipse the top performers.
In his second season in the league, Anders Dreyer has solidified his position as one of the most impactful newcomers, boasting 35 goal contributions (17 goals and 18 assists). His consistent scoring and playmaking abilities have established him as a key player for San Diego FC, which has had a strong expansion season.
Messi’s continued success not only showcases his individual talent but also reflects positively on his teammates, including Jordi Alba, who recently announced his retirement, marking the end of his illustrious career. As the regular season draws to a close on October 18, 2025, Messi’s final match against Nashville SC provides him an opportunity to bolster his MVP credentials while contending for the Golden Boot against competitors like Bouanga and Surridge.
The competitive landscape of the MLS is heating up as MVP voting approaches, and with several players enjoying standout seasons, the race promises to be a closely contested battle. Messi, who seeks to become the first player to win the MVP award in consecutive seasons, is currently at the forefront, but with the regular season concluding soon, the outcome remains uncertain.
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Additional Resources
- MLS Soccer: MVP Power Rankings – Lionel Messi
- Sports Illustrated: Messi Takes Golden Boot Lead
- MLS Soccer: Decision Day – 10 Players Who Will Decide the Drama
- Philadelphia Union: Tai Baribo Makes History in MVP Performance
- USA Today: NYCFC vs Inter Miami – Will Messi Play?
- Wikipedia: 2025 Landon Donovan MLS MVP Award
- Google Search: MLS MVP 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Major League Soccer
- Google News: MLS 2025
- Google Scholar: MLS MVP History
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