Miami, Florida, October 22, 2025
News Summary
Lionel Messi has been awarded the MLS Player of the Month for his exceptional performance in October. Contributing a total of 10 goals, including 5 goals and 5 assists, he played a critical role in Inter Miami’s success. This recognition marks his third Player of the Month award of the season and helped him secure the MLS Golden Boot with 48 goal contributions. As Inter Miami prepares for the playoffs, Messi remains a key figure for the team aiming to break through past playoff challenges.
Miami, Florida
Lionel Messi has been named the MLS Player of the Month for October 2025, following a standout performance as Inter Miami CF completed their regular season on a high note. Messi’s contributions included a remarkable total of 10 goals over the final three matches, comprising 5 goals and 5 assists. His involvement was pivotal as he helped secure game-winning goals in two of those matches.
This recognition marks the third time Messi has received Player of the Month honors during the 2025 season, previously achieving this in May and July. His impressive performance this month helped him clinch the MLS Golden Boot, finishing with a total of 48 goal contributions, which includes 29 goals and 19 assists. This tally stands as the second-highest in a single season in MLS history.
With his record, Messi remains a trailblazer in the league, becoming the only player in MLS to record at least 36 goal contributions in multiple seasons. He had achieved this feat in the prior season, with 20 goals and 16 assists in 2024. Currently, Messi is on the verge of making history by potentially becoming the first player to win back-to-back MVP awards.
Inter Miami is preparing for a crucial playoff matchup against Nashville SC in the Round One Best-of-3 Series of the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs, which kicks off on Friday at 8 p.m. ET at Chase Stadium. Messi did miss a training session due to minor back discomfort but is expected to return by Wednesday and be fit for the playoff encounter.
In the regular-season finale, Messi notably scored a hat trick in a commanding 5-2 victory over Nashville. Last year, Inter Miami had a strong regular season, finishing first but faced an early elimination in the playoffs. This season, they concluded in third place in the Eastern Conference and fell short of defending the Supporters’ Shield.
Historically, Inter Miami has not advanced past the first round of the playoffs and is focused on breaking this pattern in the current campaign. Players have emphasized the importance of overcoming past playoff failures, considering it motivation for this season’s efforts. The team led the league with a commendable 81 goals but also conceded 55 goals, highlighting notable defensive weaknesses.
The playoff series against Nashville will follow a best-of-three format, with penalty shootouts determining the winner if matches end in draws. Should Miami secure a progression in the playoffs, they will face the winner of the Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew matchup in the conference semifinals. All potential home playoff games, including possible matches in the MLS Cup Championship slated for December 6, will take place at Chase Stadium.
The team holds high expectations for capturing the MLS Cup, with Messi viewed as a central figure in their pursuit of success. Fans can catch the playoff series against Nashville on streaming platforms, including Apple TV, FS1, and FOX Deportes. Tickets for these playoff matches are available through the official Inter Miami website.
FAQs
Who won the MLS Player of the Month for October 2025?
Lionel Messi was named the MLS Player of the Month for October 2025.
How did Messi perform in the final matches of October?
Messi contributed a total of 10 goals (5 goals and 5 assists) across the final three matches of the season.
What is the significance of Messi’s 48 goal contributions?
Messi’s 48 goal contributions mark the second-most in a single season in MLS history.
When does Inter Miami play against Nashville SC in the playoffs?
Inter Miami’s playoff matchup against Nashville SC starts on Friday at 8 p.m. ET.
What format will the playoff series follow?
The playoff series is structured as a best-of-3 format, with matches decided by penalty shootouts in case of draws.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Player of the Month | Lionel Messi |
| October Contributions | 10 goals (5 goals and 5 assists) |
| Season Total | 48 goal contributions (29 goals and 19 assists) |
| Matchup | Inter Miami vs. Nashville SC |
| Date and Time | Friday at 8 p.m. ET |
| Format | Best-of-3 series |
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Additional Resources
- Miami Herald: Lionel Messi Recognized as MLS Player of the Month
- Inter Miami CF: Messi Named MLS Player of the Matchday
- MLS Soccer: Messi Named Player of the Matchday
- Wikipedia: Lionel Messi
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lionel Messi
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