Superstar Lionel Messi, MLS Golden Boot winner and MLS MVP favorite, tops a list of MLS Best XIs this season that includes representatives from nine clubs.
With 29 goals and 19 assists, the Inter Miami forward was one goal shy of the league record of 49 set by Carlos Vela in 2019 and could be the first back-to-back MVP in league history.
Argentina’s Messi is joined on the list, announced by MLS on Wednesday, by players from seven different countries, including six players who are being honored on the list for the first time.
The Philadelphia Union, with defenders Jakob Glesnes and Kai Wagner, and the Vancouver Whitecaps, with defender Tristan Blackmon and midfielder Sebastian Berhalter, were the only teams with more than one member.
The Best XI is determined annually by the media, MLS players and technical staff members of MLS clubs.
MLS 2025 Best XI:
Forwards: Denis Bouanga (LAFC), Anders Dreyer (San Diego FC), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami CF)
Midfielders: Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps), Evander (FC Cincinnati), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders)
Defenders: Tristan Blackmon (Vancouver Whitecaps), Alex Freeman (Orlando City), Jakob Glesnes (Philadelphia Union), Kai Wagner (Philadelphia Union)
Goalkeeper: Dayne St. Clair (Minnesota United FC)
–Field level media
