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Lionel Messi Makes MLS History With Consecutive MVP Wins/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Lionel Messi has become the first player in Major League Soccer history to win the MVP award in back-to-back seasons. Leading Inter Miami to an MLS Cup and dominating the league with goals and assists, the Argentine icon continues to elevate the sport in the U.S. Messi’s legacy grows as he commits to staying in Miami.

Lionel Messi MVP Repeat Quick Looks:

• Messi wins 2025 MLS MVP, the first back-to-back recipient.
• Scored league-best 29 goals and 19 assists this season.
• Led Inter Miami to its first MLS Cup championship.
• Award announced during opening of his youth Messi Cup.
• Becomes only the second two-time MVP in MLS history.
• Earned 70.4% of the vote—biggest margin since 2015.
• Joins elite group of MVPs who also won the title.
• Extended his Inter Miami contract for three more years.
• Inter Miami’s valuation has soared since Messi’s arrival.
• Messi now holds over 47 major trophies in his career.

Deep Look

Lionel Messi Becomes First-Ever Back-to-Back MLS MVP

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Lionel Messi continues to break barriers and rewrite history—this time in Major League Soccer. On Tuesday, the Inter Miami captain was named the 2025 MLS Most Valuable Player, becoming the first player in league history to earn the honor in consecutive seasons.

At age 38, Messi not only claimed the league’s top individual prize but also led Inter Miami to its first-ever MLS Cup titlecompleting a dream season in just his second year with the club. The MVP award announcement took place during the opening of Messi’s youth tournament, the Messi Cupwhere he emphasized the importance of sharing the moment with children and future players.

Dominant Season from the GOAT

Messi’s 2025 season was unmatched. Despite missing several matches, he racked up 29 goals and 19 assistsleading the league in both categories and fueling Inter Miami’s title run.

This marks Messi’s second MLS MVP award. Only one other player—Goodswho won in 1997 and 2003—has won the award more than once, but never back-to-back.

Messi earned 70.4% of the MVP votethe most decisive win since Sebastian Giovinco’s in 2015. Other top finishers included San Diego’s Anders Dreyer (11.2%) and LAFC’s Denis Bouanga (7.3%).

A Legacy Unlike Any Other

This new honor joins Messi’s already staggering list of career accolades, which include:

• 8 Ballon d’Or awards
• 8 Pichichi trophies (La Liga top scorer)
• 6 La Liga Best Player awards
• 3 Best FIFA Men’s Player titles
• 3 UEFA Men’s Player of the Year honors
• 2 World Cup Golden Balls
• 47 team trophiesincluding the 2022 FIFA World Cup

His influence in MLS has been both on-field and cultural. Inter Miami’s popularity and value have skyrocketed since Messi joined in 2023. The club is now preparing to open a new stadium near Miami International Airportwith Messi under contract for another three years.

Breaking New Ground in MLS History

Messi’s feat of winning MVP, the Golden Boot (top scorer)and an MLS Cup in the same season puts him in elite company. Only Josef Martinez (2018) had previously achieved the same trifecta.

Notably, very few players in MLS history have even been MVP finalists in back-to-back years. Messi not only achieved that but won both years, making history once again.

Until now, back-to-back MVPs had happened in every major U.S. sports league—NBA, NFL, MLB, WNBA, NHL—but never in MLS.

Raising the Standard for MLS

MLS Commissioner Don Garber praised Messi’s impact, calling him “a unicorn.”

Messi’s Commitment to the Future

Messi’s three-year contract extension with Inter Miami ensures he will be at the heart of the club’s next chapter. As construction on the new stadium nears completion, and Miami’s fan base continues to expand, his influence only grows.

While Messi could easily rest on his achievements, it’s clear he has no plans to slow down. His next challenge? Building on a legacy that already seems impossible to match.

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