Key details
Inter Miami CF announced today that captain Lionel Messi has been named in the 2025 MLS Best XI, which recognizes the league’s top players at each position as determined by members of the media, MLS players, and MLS club technical staffs. Inter Miami CF
- F: Denis Bouanga (LAFC), Anders Dreyer (San Diego FC), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami CF). Inter Miami CF
- M: Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps FC), Evander (FC Cincinnati), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders FC). Inter Miami CF
- D: Tristan Blackmon (Vancouver Whitecaps FC), Alex Freeman (Orlando City), Jakob Glesnes (Philadelphia Union), Kai Wagner (Philadelphia Union). Inter Miami CF
- GK: Dayne St. Clair (Minnesota United FC). Inter Miami CF
Season context
The Argentine maestro played a decisive role in leading Inter Miami CF to its best regular season in Club history, achieving the most wins, goals, and points ever while capturing the Club’s first Supporters’ Shield and setting a new MLS single-season points record with 74. Inter Miami CF
Messi topped the league with 36 goal contributions — 20 goals and 16 assists — the fifth-highest total in MLS history, while averaging an unprecedented 2.18 goal contributions per 90 minutes, the best rate ever recorded in the league. Inter Miami CF
Additionally, beyond being named to the 2025 MLS Best XI, captain Lionel Messi also returns as a finalist for the Landon Donovan MLS MVP Award after earning the honor in 2024; the winner will be announced later this year. Inter Miami CF
Join the Discussion
- What impact could Inter Miami’s 2025 season and Messi’s form have on MLS’s global profile and local fan engagement?
- Do you agree with the Best XI selections — who else would you have included and why?
- How should Inter Miami leverage this season’s success when planning transfers and stadium/marketing plans?
- What lessons can other MLS clubs take from Inter Miami’s 2025 campaign?
Source: Inter Miami CF