Lionel Messi is already a soccer legend, but his legacy continues to grow as he dominates North American soccer. After lifting the 2025 MLS Cup, the Argentine star was named the recipient of the Landon Donovan MLS Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award.
As if that wasn’t enough, at the age of 38, Messi became the first soccer player to win the MLS MVP award twice, winning it back-to-back.
Lionel Messi, emotional moment celebrating MLS victory on the field with wife and children
The World Cup winner had already won the MLS Golden Boot after leading the North American League with 29 goals and 19 assists in 28 games. Messi’s 48 goal contributions are the second-highest in MLS history, just one goal behind Carlos Vela’s 2019 goal for LAFC.
Additionally, Messi set a new MLS playoff record. His 15 goal contributions (6 goals, 9 assists) in the MLS Cup Playoffs made him the player with the most goal contributions in the league’s playoff history.
All MLS MVP winners
2025: Lionel Messi – Inter Miami CF2024: Lionel Messi – Inter Miami CF2023: Luciano Acosta – FC Cincinnati 2022: Honey Mukhtar – Nashville SC2021: Carles Hill – New England Revolution 2020: Alejandro Pozuelo – Toronto FC2019: Carlos Vela – Los Angeles Football Club 2018: Joseph Martinez – Atlanta United FC 2017: Diego Valeri – Portland Timbers 2016: David Villa – New York City FC 2015: Sebastian Giovinco – Toronto FC 2014: Robbie Keene – LA Galaxy 2013: Mike McGee – Chicago Fire 2012: Chris Wondolowski – San Jose Earthquakes 2011: Dwayne De Rosario – DC United 2010: David Ferreira – FC Dallas 2009: Landon Donovan – LA Galaxy 2008: Guillermo Barros Schelotto – Columbus Crew 2007: Luciano Emilio – DC United 2006: Christian Gomez – DC United 2005: Taylor Twellman – New England Revolution 2004: Amado Guevara – Metro Stars 2003: Pre-K – Kansas City Wizards 2002: Carlos Ruiz – Los Angeles Galaxy 2001: Alex Pineda Chacon – Miami Fusion 2000: Tony Meola – Kansas City Wizards 1999: Jason Kreis – Dallas Byrne 1998: Marco Etcheverry – DC United 1997: Pre-K – Kansas City Wizards 1996: Carlos Valderrama – Tampa Bay Mutiny
