News Summary
As the 2025 Landon Donovan MLS MVP race heats up, Lionel Messi emerges as the frontrunner with a league-high 26 goals and impressive assists. With playoffs on the horizon, Messi aims to make history by winning the MVP award in consecutive seasons. Competing against standout players such as Sam Surridge and Denis Bouanga, the anticipation builds around Decision Day. The depth of talent in the league continues to grow, showcasing the rising popularity of soccer in the United States.
Miami – As the 2025 Landon Donovan MLS MVP race reaches its climax, Lionel Messi is the frontrunner, leading the competition with a league-high 26 goals. With just days before Decision Day on October 18, the excitement in the MLS is palpable, with multiple players making compelling cases for the coveted award.
Messi’s remarkable performance includes not only his league-best goals but also a tie for the most assists, boasting 18. He stands at an impressive 44 goal contributions for the season, leaving him only five shy of Carlos Vela’s single-season record of 49. In a recent match against Atlanta United, Messi scored twice and assisted once, helping Inter Miami achieve a decisive 3–0 victory. He opened the scoring in the 39th minute and followed with a second goal in the 87th minute, further solidifying his MVP candidacy.
As the playoffs approach, Messi’s contributions have been pivotal in Inter Miami’s success. The team is poised to make a significant run for their first MLS Cup title, with playoff matches commencing on October 22. Simultaneously, Messi aims to become the first player in MLS history to win the MVP award in consecutive seasons.
Challenging Messi for the MVP title is Sam Surridge from Nashville SC, who has made headlines this season with 29 goals over 36 games, including 23 goals in league play. His outstanding scoring has also helped his team secure its first title, the US Open Cup. Following closely is Denis Bouanga from LAFC, who has scored 24 goals this season and is making his own historic mark—becoming the first player in MLS history to register three consecutive seasons with at least 20 goals.
Anders Dreyer, contributing significantly to San Diego FC, has given Messi a run for his money in the assist department. With 35 goal contributions that comprise 17 goals and 18 assists, he is also a contender for the Newcomer of the Year award. Dreyer’s performance highlights the increasing depth of talent within the league, adding excitement to the MVP race.
Other noteworthy players in contention include Evander of FC Cincinnati, who has combined for 32 goals and assists over the past two seasons, and Martin Ojeda of Orlando City, currently at 25 direct goal involvements (16 goals, 9 assists). Despite his achievements, Ojeda is overshadowed by the standout performances of the league’s top contenders.
The competitive landscape of the MLS is intensifying as MVP voting approaches. Messi’s position in the race is bolstered by the prowess of his teammates, including Jordi Alba, who recently announced his retirement. With one final match against Nashville SC left before the voting, Messi has the opportunity to further enhance his chances of winning both the Golden Boot and the MVP award.
As the regular season concludes, all eyes will be on the players’ performances leading up to Decision Day. The excitement surrounding the 2025 MVP race illustrates the remarkable talent present in the MLS and the growing popularity of soccer in the United States.
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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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