Lionel Messi Shines Again with Third 2025 Matchday Award

Lionel Messi produced another statement performance for Inter Miami on Matchday 22, steering the Eastern Conference leaders to a resounding 4-1 victory over CF Montréal and collecting his third MLS Player of the Matchday honor of the 2025 season.

Lionel Messi’s Record-Breaking Night in Montreal

The Argentine maestro wasted no time imposing himself at Stade Saputo. Although Montréal struck first, Messi’s vision unlocked the hosts’ back line in the 24th minute, threading a perfectly weighted pass for Tadeo Allende to level matters. Seconds from half-time, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner pounced on a loose ball at the edge of the area, curling home the go-ahead goal that flipped momentum decisively in the Herons’ favor.

A Solo Goal for the Ages

Inter Miami came out flying after the interval, and Telasco Segovia made it 3-1 on 54 minutes with a thunderous strike. Yet the evening’s signature moment—and perhaps the league’s goal of the season—belonged once again to Lionel Messi. Collecting possession on the right touchline in the 62nd minute, he slalomed past six bewildered Montréal defenders, cut inside, and calmly slid the ball beyond Jonathan Sirois. The breathtaking solo effort drew comparisons to his legendary run against Getafe in 2007 and sent traveling supporters into rapture.

The Numbers Behind Messi’s Domination

• 12 goals and 7 assists in just 14 league appearances
• League-best 0.86 goals per game in 2025
• 19 total goal contributions, tied for third overall despite missing four matches
• Ninth career MLS Player of the Matchday award, equaling Josef Martínez for most among active players

These statistics highlight how Messi’s influence transcends highlight reels. According to Opta, Inter Miami average 2.8 points per match when Messi starts versus 1.3 when he is absent, underlining his irreplaceable value.

Impact on Inter Miami’s Title Chase

Manager Gerardo “Tata” Martino has carefully balanced minutes to keep his superstar fresh, and the strategy is paying dividends. With Messi orchestrating attacks alongside Luis Suárez and youngster Facundo Farías, Miami boast the league’s most potent offense at 2.4 goals per game. The Herons now sit five points clear atop the East, firming up ambitions of securing the Supporters’ Shield and hosting rights throughout the MLS Cup Playoffs.

How Lionel Messi Elevates Major League Soccer

Beyond the goals, Lionel Messi has sparked a league-wide surge in viewership and attendance. MLS Season Pass subscriptions reportedly jumped 18 percent in the week leading to this fixture, while Montréal recorded its highest ticket revenue for a non-playoff game. On social media, Messi’s match-winning brace trended worldwide within minutes, reaffirming MLS as a legitimate global entertainment property.

Historic Context

Messi is now the 11th player in MLS history to claim at least nine Player of the Matchday awards. To put the feat in perspective, Landon Donovan—regarded as the league’s early standard-bearer—collected 17 across 15 seasons. If Messi maintains his current pace, he could surpass that record before the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted on U.S. soil, adding yet another chapter to his decorated résumé.

What’s Next for Inter Miami?

• 9 July – at New England Revolution
• 12 July – vs Nashville SC at Chase Stadium
• 17 July – Leagues Cup opener versus Club América
With Lionel Messi in full flight, opponents face the impossible task of containing a player who appears reborn on American soil. Martino hinted at light squad rotation in Foxborough, but Miami supporters can expect their captain to feature prominently as the club chases silverware on three competitive fronts.

Our View

Lionel Messi’s latest clinic reinforces a simple truth: greatness travels well. While critics questioned whether the 37-year-old could sustain elite levels outside Europe, he has answered emphatically, turning MLS matches into must-watch events and raising the collective bar for teammates and rivals alike. If he maintains this form, records will continue to tumble—and Inter Miami’s trophy cabinet will need extra space.