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Messi Leads Race for 2025 MLS MVP Amid Fierce Competition

Players in action during an MLS match showcasing competitive spirit.

News Summary

As the MLS season approaches its conclusion, Lionel Messi tops the MVP race with 26 goals and 18 assists. Other strong contenders include Sam Surridge, Denis Bouanga, and Evander. The pressure is on as players strive to solidify their legacies, and Inter Miami prepares for its playoff journey.

Miami – As the regular season of Major League Soccer (MLS) edges toward its conclusion, the race for the 2025 Landon Donovan MLS MVP is heating up. With Decision Day scheduled for October 18, Lionel Messi is currently in the lead, boasting a league-high 26 goals and matching the assists leader with 18 assists. Messi’s impressive performance has led him to accumulate 44 goal contributions this season, just five shy of Carlos Vela’s single-season record of 49.

Messi further solidified his MVP candidacy in a recent match against Atlanta United, where he scored two goals and recorded one assist in a dominant 3-0 victory. He first found the back of the net in the 39th minute and added another goal in the 87th minute. His remarkable contributions have helped Inter Miami secure a playoff spot as they prepare for their quest for a first MLS Cup title, starting on October 22.

In addition to Messi’s accolades, other players are also making strong bids for the MVP award. Sam Surridge of Nashville SC has emerged as a notable contender, scoring 29 goals across 36 games this season, including 23 in league play. His performance has been vital in helping Nashville SC clinch their first title, the US Open Cup.

Top Contenders for the MVP Title

In the midst of several standout performances this season, Denver’s Denis Bouanga of LAFC currently has 24 goals, making him one of the top scorers in the league. Bouanga reached a milestone by becoming the first player in MLS history to record three consecutive seasons with at least 20 goals. His recent form includes 10 goals in his last six matches.

Another strong MVP candidate is Evander, now part of FC Cincinnati, who has demonstrated remarkable attacking prowess with a combined total of 32 goals and 33 assists over the past two seasons. He has been instrumental for his team and is also being considered for the MVP award.

Additionally, Anders Dreyer has made a name for himself in his debut season, currently holding the second-most goal contributions in MLS with 35 (17 goals and 18 assists). Dreyer is also in the running for the Newcomer of the Year award, which highlights his significant impact within the league.

The Golden Boot Race

As the season nears its end, the competition for the Golden Boot remains fierce, with Messi, Bouanga, and Surridge vying for top honors. Messi leads the chart, while Bouanga and Surridge trail closely behind with 24 and 23 goals, respectively.

Implications of Performance and Team Success

As the season concludes, the MVP race highlights the competitive nature of MLS. Players like Martin Ojeda of Orlando City, with 25 direct goal involvements (16 goals and 9 assists), and Evander are also potential MVP candidates but are currently overshadowed by the performances of top contenders.

The pressure is mounting as the league’s most talented players aim to solidify their legacies. Messi, who is pursuing a second consecutive MVP award, would be the first player in MLS history to achieve this feat. Inter Miami’s journey toward their first MLS Cup presents even further motivation for Messi and his teammates, especially with the announcements surrounding the retirement of veteran player Jordi Alba.

As the league prepares for its final matches before playoffs, the clarity of the MVP race continues to unfold, with several players showcasing their skill, contributing not only to their teams’ successes but also to the thrilling landscape of MLS football as Decision Day approaches.

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STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER

The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.

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