Inter Miami capped off a historic campaign by defeating the Vancouver Whitecaps 3–1 in the MLS Cup Final — and the club’s talisman, Lionel Messi, has been crowned the league’s best player for the second year in a row.

According to the league’s official announcement, the Argentine superstar has become the first player in MLS history to win the award in back-to-back seasons — a milestone that further cements his impact on North American football.

Messi delivered astonishing numbers last season: 43 goals and 26 assists in 49 matches. In the playoffs alone, he was directly involved in 15 goals — a new all-time MLS postseason record.