Mascherano Endorses Messi as Clear Favourite for MLS MVP After Stellar Season
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano has publicly backed Messi to win the 2025 Major League Soccer Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, citing what he described as a “record-breaking” regular season.
Exceptional Performance
In their final regular‐season match, Inter Miami defeated Nashville SC 5-2, with Messi completing a hat-trick to finish the campaign with 29 goals. He also became the first player in MLS to record at least 18 goals and 18 assists in a single season.
Mascherano emphasised Messi’s broader impact: “What can I say about Leo? … He was exceptional, as he usually is. If anyone had any doubts about what his regular season was like, the reality is that he’s cleared any doubts.”
MVP Case
Messi’s multiple contributions, both scoring and creating goals, have strengthened his case for the MVP award. Mascherano felt there was no longer any question: “He will surely be awarded the MVP for everything he’s shown.”
With the MVP in his sights, Messi could become the first player in MLS history to win the title in consecutive years.
Looking Ahead
As Miami shift focus to the playoffs, their belief in Messi’s status as the top player for the season is firm. Mascherano’s endorsement adds weight to the narrative that Messi’s regular-season exploits make him the standout candidate for the league’s highest individual honour.