News Summary
As Decision Day approaches, Lionel Messi stands out as the frontrunner for the 2025 Landon Donovan MLS MVP award, leading with 26 goals and 18 assists. His performance has helped propel Inter Miami into the playoffs for their first MLS Cup title. Competing against stars like Sam Surridge and Evander, tensions rise among contenders as they all seek the prestigious award. Messi aims to make history as the first player to win the MVP award consecutively, underscoring the competitive landscape of this thrilling season.
Miami, FL – The anticipation surrounding the 2025 Landon Donovan MLS MVP race is reaching a fever pitch as Decision Day approaches on October 18. With an eventful regular season nearing its conclusion, Lionel Messi has emerged as the frontrunner, currently leading the league with an impressive 26 goals and tying for the assists lead with 18 assists. His remarkable performance has propelled Inter Miami into the playoffs, where they aim to secure their first MLS Cup title.
Messi’s remarkable season includes a standout performance where he scored two goals and contributed an assist in a recent 3–0 victory over Atlanta United. Opening the scoring in the 39th minute and adding a second goal in the 87th minute, Messi’s contributions have made a significant impact, bringing his total of goal contributions to 44, just five shy of Carlos Vela’s single-season record of 49.
As the season comes to a close, competition for the MVP title is heating up. Sam Surridge of Nashville SC is also making headlines, having scored a total of 29 goals in 36 games, which significantly helped his team capture its first US Open Cup title. Surridge has netted 23 goals during the regular season, making him a notable competitor in the Golden Boot race, trailing only Messi.
Meanwhile, Evander, now playing for FC Cincinnati, boasts an impressive combined total of 32 goals and 33 assists over the last two seasons. Denis Bouanga of LAFC follows closely with 24 goals this season, including 10 goals in the last six games. Bouanga has made history as the first player in MLS to achieve three consecutive seasons with at least 20 goals.
Anders Dreyer has also distinguished himself in the MVP race, contributing 35 goals (comprising 17 goals and 18 assists) this season, making him a leading contender for the Newcomer of the Year award. Additionally, Dreyer’s consistent performance has been an asset to San Diego FC, especially during their inaugural season as an expansion team.
The competition remains fierce, as other players continue to make their mark. Martin Ojeda of Orlando City has accumulated 25 direct goal involvements (16 goals, 9 assists), though his hopes of achieving MVP recognition may be overshadowed. Evander’s performance with his new team reflects similarly strong aspirations for the award.
As Decision Day approaches, tensions rise among the leading contenders, with Messi looking to become the first player in MLS history to win the MVP award for two consecutive years. Both he and Inter Miami are focused on proving their mettle in the upcoming playoffs, which kick off on October 22.
This season marks a significant chapter in Messi’s illustrious career, correlating not only with his personal successes but also with the performance of his teammates. Notably, Jordi Alba, a key player for Inter Miami, has announced his retirement, adding an emotional element to the team’s playoff journey.
With only one regular-season match left against Nashville SC, Messi will have an opportunity to bolster his Golden Boot and MVP chances. As the decision period draws near, the competitive landscape of the league intensifies, with several standout players vying for the prestigious title. As history is made on the pitch, fans eagerly await the culmination of this thrilling season.
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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
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, 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 the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
