Miami, October 16, 2025
News Summary
As the regular season of Major League Soccer reaches its final stages, Lionel Messi leads the race for the MVP award with 26 goals and 18 assists. His standout performance has been crucial for Inter Miami, including a recent match where he scored two goals against Atlanta United. Challenging him are players like Sam Surridge and Denis Bouanga. With Decision Day approaching, the competition intensifies as players vie for this prestigious title.
Miami
As the regular season of Major League Soccer (MLS) reaches its final stretch, Lionel Messi leads the race for the 2025 Landon Donovan MLS MVP award, with Decision Day set for October 18, 2025. Messi has established himself as a standout player this season, currently boasting an impressive 26 goals, which is the highest in the league. Additionally, he has tied for the most assists, recording 18 assists, showcasing his all-around offensive prowess.
Messi’s performances have been pivotal for Inter Miami, aiding their playoff advancement. In a recent match against Atlanta United, he scored two goals and provided one assist, contributing to a decisive 3–0 victory. Messi netted his first goal in the 39th minute and added another in the 87th minute, underlining his ability to perform in crucial moments.
With 44 goal contributions this season, Messi is just five shy of breaking Carlos Vela’s
Challenging Messi’s lead is Sam Surridge of Nashville SC, who has enjoyed a prolific season, scoring 29 goals across 36 games, including 23 goals in league play. His remarkable scoring run has also helped Nashville secure their first title in the US Open Cup. Another notable contender is Denis Bouanga of LAFC, who has scored 24 goals this season, including 10 in his last six matches. Bouanga made history as the first player to record three consecutive seasons with at least 20 goals.
In addition to these players, several others present strong cases for the MVP award. Anders Dreyer has contributed significantly with 35 total goal contributions this season (17 goals and 18 assists), making him a vital player for San Diego FC, and a frontrunner for the Newcomer of the Year award. Martin Ojeda of Orlando City has 25 direct goal involvements (16 goals and 9 assists) but finds himself overshadowed by the top contenders. Meanwhile, Evander, now with FC Cincinnati, has recorded a combined total of 32 goals and 33 assists over the past two seasons, strengthening his MVP aspirations.
MLS Decision Day promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the regular season as Messi and Inter Miami aim for their first MLS Cup title in the playoffs starting October 22. With only one match left against Nashville SC, Messi has an opportunity to enhance his chances for both the Golden Boot and the MVP award.
As the league shifts towards voting for the MVP title, the competitive landscape is heating up, with several players in contention showcasing remarkable talent and performance throughout the season.
FAQ
Who is leading the 2025 MLS MVP race?
Lionel Messi is currently leading the 2025 MLS MVP race with 26 goals and 18 assists.
When is MLS Decision Day?
MLS Decision Day is on October 18, 2025.
What record is Messi on track to break this season?
Messi aims to surpass Carlos Vela’s single-season record of 49 goal contributions.
How many goals has Sam Surridge scored this season?
Sam Surridge has scored 29 goals this season.
What are the playoff dates for MLS?
The MLS playoffs are set to begin on October 22, 2025.
Key Features of the 2025 MLS MVP Race
| Player | Goals | Assists | Total Contributions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lionel Messi | 26 | 18 | 44 |
| Sam Surridge | 29 | N/A | 29 |
| Denis Bouanga | 24 | N/A | 24 |
| Anders Dreyer | 17 | 18 | 35 |
| Evander | 32 | 33 | 65 |
| Martin Ojeda | 16 | 9 | 25 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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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