News Summary
As the 2025 MLS regular season comes to a close, the competition for the Landon Donovan Most Valuable Player award intensifies. Lionel Messi leads a pack of standout players with impressive goals and assists this season. Notably, Sam Surridge, Evander, and Denis Bouanga are also making their impact felt, aiming for individual honors as their teams prepare for the postseason. With Decision Day approaching, the final matches will play a crucial role in determining the MVP victor and playoff outcomes.
Miami, FL — Decision Day Approaches in the 2025 MLS MVP Battle
As Major League Soccer heads toward its final stages, the race for the 2025 Landon Donovan Most Valuable Player (MVP) award is intensifying. The upcoming Decision Day on October 18 marks the conclusion of the regular season, with multiple standout players contending for the league’s most prestigious individual honor. Lionel Messi currently leads the MVP race, establishing himself as the frontrunner through a historic season of goals and assists.
Messi’s Dominance and League-Leading Performances
Messi has been instrumental for Inter Miami, scoring a league-high 26 goals in this season’s regular matches. Additionally, he is tied for the assist lead with Anders Dreyer, both players boasting 18 assists each. Overall, Messi has contributed to 44 goal involvements—a number only five shy of the single-season record of 49 set by Carlos Vela. His recent performance in a 3-0 victory against Atlanta United underscored his importance, with Messi netting two goals and setting up another to help propel Inter Miami into the postseason.
His performances have not only highlighted his scoring ability but also his playmaking skills, making him the top contender for the MVP award for a second consecutive year. Should Messi win again, he would become the first player in MLS history to claim back-to-back MVP titles.
Other Leading Candidates and Key Performances
Among other notable players, Sam Surridge has emerged as a top scorer, with 29 goals in 36 games. His efforts helped Nashville SC secure its first major trophy by winning the US Open Cup, with 23 league goals contributing to his outstanding season. Surridge’s scoring prowess positions him as a strong candidate for the Golden Boot, awarded to the top scorer of the league.
Evander of FC Cincinnati has also played a significant role in the league, with a combined total of 32 goals and 33 assists over the past two seasons. His production on the field places him among the MVP candidates, bolstered by his consistency and dual threat as a goal scorer and playmaker.
Denis Bouanga of LAFC has been particularly prolific with 24 goals this season, including 10 in his last six matches. His achievement of recording at least 20 goals in three consecutive MLS seasons marks a historical milestone, emphasizing his importance to LAFC’s attack. Bouanga remains a strong contender in the MVP discussion.
Anders Dreyer, aside from his assist total, has contributed 17 goals this season, making him the second-highest goal scorer in MLS and a candidate for the Newcomer of the Year award. His consistent attacking presence has been crucial for San Diego FC during its expansion season.
Other Key Contenders and League Highlights
Additional players contributing to the competitive MVP landscape include Martin Ojeda of Orlando City, with 16 goals and 9 assists, totaling 25 direct goal involvements, although his impact is somewhat overshadowed by higher-performing contenders.
Evander has also made a significant impact this season, amassing 30 direct goal involvements, further strengthening his MVP hopes. His contribution underscores his importance to Cincinnati’s attack.
Remaining Schedule and Title Hopes
With Regular Season concluding on Decision Day, October 18, and playoff action beginning on October 22, players are vying not only for individual honors but also for team success. Inter Miami and Messi aim to win their first MLS Cup title, adding motivation for their bid during the upcoming postseason.
Additional Context and Challenges Ahead
As the MVP race nears its conclusion, the league’s overall competitiveness remains high. The final matches, including Messi’s upcoming game against Nashville SC, could be pivotal for his Golden Boot tally and MVP prospects. The race is expected to be closely watched, with many players performing at peak levels to stake their claims for the league’s top individual honor.
Off the field, Messi’s influence extends beyond the pitch, inspiring his teammates, such as Jordi Alba, who recently announced his retirement. Messi’s presence continues to elevate the profile of MLS as the 2025 season reaches its climax.
As teams and players prepare for the decisive matches, the outcome of the MVP race will likely be determined during these final fixtures, with fans and analysts alike awaiting the official announcement after Decision Day.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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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 RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake 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 North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
