NEW YORK, 6 November (H.S.): Global football superstar Lionel Messi has been named captain of this season's Major League Soccer Best XI, headlining a decorated roster that features players from nine different clubs. The league officially announced the team on Wednesday.The Inter Miami forward delivered a spectacular season, tallying 29 goals and 19 assists for a total of 48 goal contributions. This remarkable performance places him just one contribution shy of the all-time league record of 49, set by Carlos Vela in 2019.

Messi is also on the verge of making history as the first player to win the league's Most Valuable Player award in consecutive seasons.This year's prestigious list includes athletes from seven different countries, with six players earning a Best XI selection for the first time in their careers.

The Philadelphia Union and Vancouver Whitecaps are the only two teams with multiple representatives. The Union are represented by defenders Jakob Glesnes and Kai Wagner, while the Whitecaps feature defender Tristan Blackmon and midfielder Sebastian Berhalter.

The MLS Best XI is determined annually through votes cast by members of the media, MLS players, and club technical staffs.

2025 MLS Best XI Roster

Goalkeeper: Dayne St. Clair (Minnesota United FC)

Defenders: Tristan Blackmon (Vancouver Whitecaps FC), Alex Freeman (Orlando City SC), Jakob Glesnes (Philadelphia Union), Kai Wagner (Philadelphia Union)Midfielders: Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps FC), Evander (FC Cincinnati), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders FC)Forwards: Denis Bouanga (LAFC), Anders Dreyer (San Diego FC), Lionel Messi (Captain) (Inter Miami CF)

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar