Lionel Messi Makes MLS History As He Is Named League MVP for Second Consecutive Season

Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi has become the first back-to-back winner of the Landon Donovan Major League Soccer (MLS) Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.

Following his team’s MLS Cup win last Saturday, the Argentine has become only the second player to bag the award twice, joining Predrag Radosavljević, popularly known as Preki (1997 and 2003). He finished ahead of Anders Dreyer, Denis Bouanga, Evander, and Sam Surridge to notch the 2025 MLS MVP honor.

But, how did the eight-time Ballon d’Or-winning star perform for Miami in 2025?

How Well Did Lionel Messi Fare in 2025?

As per the MLS’ official website, Messi finished the regular MLS season with a staggering 48 goal involvements (29 goals and 19 assists) in 28 matches for the Herons. He became only the second player, after Sebastian Giovinco in 2015, to lead the MLS in both regular-season goals and assists.

Furthermore, the Barcelona great scored six goals and contributed nine assists in the 2025 MLS Cup playoffs, as per the aforementioned source. His final goal contribution came in the Herons’ 3-1 MLS Cup final victory against Vancouver Whitecaps at Chase Stadium in Florida on Saturday, Dec. 6.

Consecutive. Definitive. Leo 💗🖤 pic.twitter.com/PwG8Ap7IRE

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) December 9, 2025

Messi, 38, is set to enjoy his holidays now, as his Miami deal expires in 2028.

Barcelona Chief Makes Claim About Potential Lionel Messi Return

Following recent speculations about a potential homecoming for Messi, Barcelona president Joan Laporta recently steered clear of talks about the Argentine’s return. He confirmed that rumors involving his club and the forward are false.

“I’m not going to fuel controversies or speculation about things that aren’t realistic. Everyone is entitled to their opinions. Leo will always be in the collective memory of Barcelona fans. Leo has a contract with a football club,” Laporta said at the Foros de Vanguardia forum.

READ MORE: Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami Keen to Retain MLS Cup Winner

However, Laporta revealed that Barcelona is planning to hold an exhibition match for Messi, saying:

“The tribute should take place at a time when we can thank him for everything he’s done for Barça. A tribute with a full Camp Nou, with 105,000 Barça fans thanking Messi for everything he’s done for the club, could be a beautiful thing. We’ve thought about giving him a statue alongside players who have made history.”

During his time at Barcelona between 2004 and 2021, the left-footed attacker bagged 672 goals and provided 303 assists in 778 appearances across all competitions.