Messi Nominated for 2025 MLS MVP Finalists

Messi Nominated for 2025 MLS MVP Finalists

The official list of final nominees for the 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) annual awards has been announced, with Inter Miami’s forward Lionel Messi making the cut for the Landon Donovan MLS MVP Award. Messi is on track to potentially become the first player in MLS history to win the MVP award in back-to-back seasons.

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Landon Donovan MLS MVP Finalists

The candidates for the Landon Donovan MLS MVP Award are:

• Bouanga (Los Angeles FC)

• Dellel (San Diego FC)

• Evander (Cincinnati FC)

• Messi (Inter Miami)

• Surridge (Nashville SC)

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MLS Coach of the Year Finalists

In addition to the MVP nominations, the candidates for MLS Coach of the Year are:

• Carnell (Philadelphia Union)

• Sorensen (Vancouver Whitecaps)

• Ballas (San Diego FC)

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MLS Rookie of the Year Finalists

For the MLS Rookie of the Year award, the final nominees are:

• Dellel (San Diego FC)

• Son Heung-min (Los Angeles FC)

• Sinkenagel (Chicago Fire)

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Nomination Criteria and Voting Process

Each of the final nominees for these prestigious awards represents one of the 16 MLS clubs. The winners will be revealed during the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs.

The final list of nominees is determined by a voting process that includes MLS club technical staff, first-team players, and select media members. Each group’s votes make up 33.3% of the total, ensuring a balanced approach in the selection of each award recipient.