Lionel Messi’s remarkable performance in the Major League Soccer (MLS) 2025 season is stirring discussions around the MVP award. As the season approaches its climax, Messi’s contributions to Inter Miami have made headlines.
MVP Debate Highlights Messi’s Statistics
Messi has recorded an impressive total of 44 goal contributions, which includes 26 goals and 18 assists across 27 matches. Notably, his goal tally surpasses the entire scoring output of 11 different teams in the MLS.
Current Standings in the Golden Boot Race
As of now, Messi leads the Golden Boot rankings by two goals over Denis Bouanga of LAFC. If Messi secures another MVP title, he will be the second player in league history to achieve this feat consecutively, joining Predrag Radosavljević. However, Messi would be the first to win in back-to-back seasons, a rare accomplishment in MLS history.
Comparison with Other Teams
Here’s how Messi’s contributions stack up against various teams:
- Inter Miami: 76 goals scored
- Houston Dynamo: 43 goals scored
- Colorado Rapids: 42 goals scored
- St. Louis CITY SC: 42 goals scored
- New England Revolution: 42 goals scored
- Portland Timbers: 41 goals scored
- Atlanta United: 37 goals scored
- Real Salt Lake: 36 goals scored
- Austin FC: 36 goals scored
- CF Montréal: 34 goals scored
- Toronto FC: 33 goals scored
- D.C. United: 29 goals scored
Messi is currently tied with LA Galaxy, each accounting for 44 goals scored. On Decision Day, Messi could potentially surpass even more teams in scoring.
Recent Performance and Key Matches Ahead
In his last seven matches, Messi has achieved 14 goal contributions, showcasing his outstanding form with six of those contributions occurring in just the last two games. He is also in a tight race with San Diego FC’s Anders Dreyer, both trailing with 18 assists.
On Decision Day, Inter Miami faces Nashville SC, aiming to clinch the second seed in the Eastern Conference, while San Diego FC competes against the Portland Timbers for the top seed in the Western Conference.
Looking Back at Last Season
Last season, Messi ended with 20 goals and 16 assists, reflecting strong performances through the year. His statistics have improved this season, highlighting his continued excellence as a player. Despite Miami not matching last season’s record, they remain the league’s highest-scoring team at 76 goals.
As the season closes, if Messi can secure the Golden Boot and maintain his lead in assists, he could very well bring the MVP award back to south Florida, thus cementing his legacy in MLS history.
