MLS 2025: Will Lionel Messi Win the Landon Donovan MVP Award Again?
MLS 2025: Will Lionel Messi Win the Landon Donovan MVP Award Again?
Every Major League Soccer (MLS) player likely dreams of getting their hands on the Landon Donovan MVP award.
It is annually presented to the most valuable player (MVP) in the league. The recipient is voted for by MLS players, club management, and members of the media.
Lionel Messi is a top goalscorer in the MLS, which led to him receiving the accolade in 2024, and many suspect he’s likely to accept the honor for the 2025 MLS season.
Keep reading to learn if Lionel Messi is likely to win the Landon Donovan MVP Award again.
BEO Betting odds are showing Lionel Messi is most likely to win the Landon Donovan MVP Award for the MLS 2025 season ::: Discover the latest Bet Entertainment Odds predictions for this market.
Lionel Messi is Expected to Win
LEADERBOARD
MLS 2025 Landon Donovan MVP Award Winner
| # | Bet Options | Chance to Win | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Implied Projected Winner Lionel Messi | 47.62% | ||
| Implied Projected Winner Brian White | 9.09% | ||
| Implied Projected Winner Tai Baribo | 7.14% |
There is no denying that Lionel Messi is one of the greatest soccer/football players of all time, as he has scored over 870 senior goals and made 380 assists throughout his career.
Despite being 38 years old, he continues to perform on the pitch at an elite level and is one of the most prolific goal scorers in the MLS.
For instance, his skills have turned Inter Miami into top contenders in the league, resulting in the club earning the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 Supporters’ Shield. As a result, he received the Landon Donovan MVP award last season, and BEO Betting odds predict he’ll take it home again in 2025.
His recent performances are proof of his talent and athleticism, as he has scored 14 goals and made seven assists within 15 games this season.
If he continues to play to the same high standard throughout the remainder of the season, he is likely to receive the Landon Donovan MVP award for the second year in a row.
Brian White is His Biggest Threat
Brian White has proven fundamental to the Vancouver Whitecaps’ MLS success this season, scoring 11 goals and providing one assist in 16 games.
The 29-year-old striker has become one of the top goal scorers in the league in recent seasons, and it seems inevitable that he would one day earn the Landon Donovan MVP award.
After all, his ability to find the back of the net resulted in him being named MLS Player of the Month in April 2025. Not to mention, he’s kept the team in fine form despite losing key player Ryan Gauld to injury earlier in the season.
However, he may need to rack up more goals and assists to compete with Lionel Messi on the leaderboard, which could help him secure many votes for the prestigious accolade this year.
Of course, the Landon Donovan MVP award isn’t all about individual performances, as it’s about being the most valuable player to a team.
As Donovan has filled the gap for injuries, scored many goals, and is guiding the Whitecaps to success, he might have done enough to earn the honor this year.
Tai Baribo is a Dark Horse
Tai Baribo shouldn’t be ignored for the Landon Donovan MVP award, as he has continually helped the Philadelphia Union make an impact this season.
As of August 2025, the 27-year-old forward has scored 15 goals and made one assist within 21 games, making him one of the top goal scorers in the league.
The Israeli soccer star thrives under pressure, as he’s often chosen to score crucial goals for the club, which have earned him much acclaim in recent years.
For instance, he was named the MVP of the 2025 All-Star Game, as he scored a game-winning goal for the Philadelphia Union.
As he’s playing at an elite level this season since joining the team in 2023, his impressive performances on the pitch could secure many votes in his favor this season.
