News Summary
Lionel Messi has been named MLS Player of the Month for October, celebrating his exceptional performance with Inter Miami CF, where he scored 10 goals in three matches. This marks his third Player of the Month award this season. Messi’s contributions also led him to secure the MLS Golden Boot, finishing with 48 goal contributions. As Inter Miami prepares for the playoffs against Nashville SC, the team is looking to improve on past playoff performances and capitalize on Messi’s pivotal role.
Miami, FL – Lionel Messi has been awarded the MLS Player of the Month for October 2025, recognizing his outstanding performances as Inter Miami CF wrapped up the regular season. Messi played a pivotal role in his team’s success, scoring a total of 10 goals – comprising 5 goals and 5 assists – in the last three matches of the season. His contributions were crucial, as he was directly involved in the game-winning goal or assist in two of those matches.
This accolade marks the third time Messi has received the Player of the Month honors within the 2025 season, having previously achieved this in May and July. His remarkable October performance helped secure him the MLS Golden Boot, finishing the season with 48 goal contributions which include 29 goals and 19 assists. This impressive tally is the second highest in a single season in MLS history.
Messi has solidified his status in the league’s record books as the only player to record at least 36 goal contributions in a season on multiple occasions, having also done so in the 2024 season with 20 goals and 16 assists. With this latest success, Messi is now aiming to become the first player in MLS history to win consecutive MVP awards.
Looking ahead, Inter Miami is set to compete against Nashville SC in a Round One Best-of-3 Series of the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs. The first match will commence on Friday at 8 p.m. ET at Chase Stadium. Despite experiencing minor back discomfort that caused him to miss a training session, Messi is expected to resume training on Wednesday, ensuring he will be fit for the playoff game.
In the regular-season finale, Messi showcased his talent by scoring a hat trick in a decisive 5-2 victory over Nashville. Following last season’s disappointing first-round playoff elimination despite finishing first in the regular season, Inter Miami is determined to build on their current form. The team finished this season in third place in the Eastern Conference, failing to defend the Supporters’ Shield.
Historically, Inter Miami has struggled in the playoffs, never advancing beyond the first round. This season, players have recognized the weight of previous failures as motivation to succeed in their upcoming playoff matches. The team led the league with a total of 81 goals but also recorded defensive vulnerabilities, conceding 55 goals throughout the regular season.
The playoff series format against Nashville will follow a best-of-three structure, with penalty shootouts determining the winner in the event of tied matches after regulation. Should Inter Miami advance past Nashville, they will face the winner of the Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew match in the conference semifinals.
Chase Stadium is set to host all potential home playoff games for Inter Miami, including the possibility of matches in the MLS Cup championship slated for December 6. Team members have high expectations for winning the MLS Cup, emphasizing Messi’s crucial role in achieving their goals.
The playoff series against Nashville begins on Friday at 8 p.m. ET, and fans can catch the matches on Apple TV, FS1, and FOX Deportes. Tickets for the playoff games are available through the official Inter Miami website.
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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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