News Summary
As the Major League Soccer regular season nears its end, Lionel Messi is leading the MVP race with an impressive 26 goals and 18 assists. His remarkable performance has been crucial for Inter Miami’s playoff advancement. Other notable contenders include Sam Surridge and Denis Bouanga, who are also making headlines with their impressive goal tallies. With the playoffs set to begin soon, fans are eagerly anticipating the outcome of the MVP race and the potential of Messi securing his second consecutive title.
Miami – As the regular season of Major League Soccer (MLS) approaches its conclusion on October 18, 2025, the race for the Landon Donovan MLS MVP award is heating up, with Lionel Messi currently holding the lead. The celebrated striker has recorded an impressive 26 goals this season, the highest in the league, while also tying for the assists lead with Anders Dreyer at 18 assists. Messi’s combined total of 44 goal contributions puts him just five shy of Carlos Vela’s49.
Messi’s exceptional performance was highlighted in a recent match where he scored two goals and provided one assist in a dominant 3-0 victory against Atlanta United. He netted the first goal in the 39th minute and secured his brace in the 87th minute, further solidifying his role as a key player for Inter Miami as they advance in the playoffs.
While Messi remains a strong contender for the MVP title, several other players are making their mark in the competitive landscape of the league. Sam Surridge of Nashville SC has made headlines by scoring 29 goals across 36 games this season, including 23 goals in league play, contributing significantly to the team’s triumph in their first US Open Cup. In addition, Denis Bouanga of LAFC has proven to be a relentless scorer with 24 goals this season and has achieved a remarkable milestone as the first player in MLS history to record three consecutive seasons with at least 20 goals.
Competing closely with these players is Anders Dreyer, who ranks second in the league for goal contributions with 35. His statistics include 17 goals and 18 assists, putting him in contention for the Newcomer of the Year award.
Messi, seeking to claim the MVP honor for a second consecutive year, would become the first player in league history to achieve this feat. He stands at the forefront of the Golden Boot race, which includes Denis Bouanga and Sam Surridge right behind him. As the playoffs loom, starting on October 22, 2025, Messi and Inter Miami are also eyeing their first MLS Cup title.
Among others in contention is Martin Ojeda of Orlando City, who has amassed 25 direct goal involvements through 16 goals and 9 assists, yet his accomplishments are somewhat overshadowed by the standout performances of the leading MVP candidates. Additionally, Evander, now playing for FC Cincinnati, has tallied a considerable 32 goals and 33 assists over the last two seasons, solidifying his MVP ambitions.
As the regular season concludes, the momentum builds with intense competition among top players, nuanced by Messi’s historical significance and the emerging talents in the league. The MVP race remains wide open as every match counts toward finalizing the standings, highlighting the unpredictability and excitement of the season. Fans eagerly await Decision Day, which will set the stage for postseason action as players strive to etch their names in league history.
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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 MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee 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 Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
