Messi Shatters MLS Records, Becomes First Player Ever to Claim Historic MVP Achievement

Lionel Messi has made history by becoming the first player ever to win the Landon Donovan MLS MVP award in consecutive seasons.

Messi was instrumental in Miami's 3–1 victory against Vancouver Whitecaps in Saturday's MLS Cup final, writing yet another remarkable chapter in the career of the eight-time Ballon d'Or recipient.

Following his 2024 MLS MVP achievement, Messi elevated his performance in his second complete MLS campaign. He netted 29 goals and provided 19 assists across 28 matches to claim his inaugural MLS Golden Boot, while contributing an additional six goals and nine assists during the playoffs, establishing a new record for most goal contributions in a single postseason.

His exceptional 2025 campaign also witnessed him becoming the first MLS player to record 10 multi-goal performances in one season, and he joined Toronto FC's Sebastian Giovinco as only the second player to top the league in both goals and assists, matching Giovinco's 2015 feat of 22 goals and 16 assists.

Messi becomes the second player to capture the MLS MVP award twice, following Preki who won in 1997 and 2003.

MLS Commissioner Don Garber presented the Landon Donovan MLS MVP trophy to Messi in Miami before the debut Messi Cup, a youth competition inspired by soccer's most accomplished player.

Messi contributed two assists in the triumph over Vancouver, hoisting the Phillip F. Anschutz Trophy as his 47th team honor in his final appearance alongside veteran teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, who announced their retirement following the match.

Through his goal contributions, Messi also earned the MLS Cup MVP recognition.

"Three years ago, I chose to join MLS, and today we stand as MLS champions," Messi reflected after the game.

"Capturing the MLS title was among our primary goals. The squad put forth tremendous effort—it was an extensive year with numerous fixtures—and we rose to meet every challenge throughout the season. This is the moment I had anticipated, and that we, as a collective, were anticipating. It's incredibly meaningful for all of us. They earned it."

With this championship, Messi, Busquets and Rodrigo De Paul also made history as the first players to possess both an MLS Cup and FIFA World Cup title in their professional careers.

Lionel Messi's Other Individual Honors

Full List of MLS Landon Donovan MVP Winners