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Messi Becomes MLS’ First Back-to-Back MVP After Leading Inter Miami to First Title

The accolade caps a title run, signaling Miami’s turn to 2026 roster decisions.

Overview

  • MLS announced Lionel Messi as 2025 MVP, a landslide winner with 70.4% of the vote after a 29-goal, 19-assist regular season that also earned him the Golden Boot.
  • Messi added MLS Cup MVP with two assists in Inter Miami’s 3-1 win over Vancouver on Dec. 6, securing the club’s first league championship.
  • David Beckham became the first person to win MLS as both a player and as a club owner, following titles with LA Galaxy and now Inter Miami.
  • Co-owner Jorge Mas said replacements for retirees Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets are verbally agreed, with a Designated Player slot available as Miami targets 2026.
  • Luis Suárez’s future is unresolved, with Nacional’s vice president saying the club expects a decision soon and reports indicating the striker is weighing a return to Uruguay.