MVP Power Rankings: Anders Dreyer, Lionel Messi battle for top spot | OneFootball

By Sacha Kljestan

The final month of the Landon Donovan MLS MVP race is here, and we've got a showdown between two No. 10s.

Seemingly every matchday, Anders Dreyer provides game-changing moments for San Diego FC. But Inter Miami CF have a nine-game sprint to close out the regular season, giving Lionel Messi plenty of chances to repeat.

As the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs come into view, an incredible stretch run awaits.

5. Sam Surridge

Forward · Nashville SC

Quick quiz: Who is the last player to win MVP and Golden Boot presented by Audi in the same season? Hint: he also plays for Nashville SC.

That would be Hany Mukhtar, of course. He did the double in 2022 with a 23-goal, 11-assist campaign.

If Surridge joins his Nashville teammate on that esteemed list, he'll need to hold onto his Golden Boot lead. He's currently on 20 goals, one ahead of Messi, and has five games left to make his case.

4. Martín Ojeda

Midfielder · Orlando City

On his day, Ojeda is borderline unstoppable.

The Argentine No. 10 can hurt a defense in many ways, whether it's putting chances on a platter or providing a clean strike himself. So far, he's got 28 goal contributions (14 goals, 14 assists) to show for it.

For Ojeda to enter "MVP favorite" territory, he and Orlando City will need to end the season in fantastic form.

WATCH: Martín Ojeda's scorching volley fires Orlando in front

3. Evander

Midfielder · FC Cincinnati

Evander has entered a down period, scoring just once in his last four games. That coincides with Cincy losing three straight at home, reinforcing their dependence on the Brazilian No. 10.

But if Evander finds his form and goes on a heater during Cincy's final five games… it turns into a three-horse race between him, Messi and Dreyer.

During this final month, I'm also intrigued to see how Evander, Kévin Denkey and Brenner gel together. That trio has the potential to wreak havoc.

Evander gets last laugh in Portland Timbers vs. FC Cincinnati

2. Lionel Messi

Forward · Inter Miami CF

Come on, is anyone really ruling out Messi repeating as MVP?

Inter Miami have nine games in hand, and Messi will be highly motivated after they missed out on the Leagues Cup title. He might even be the favorite to top ballots with a few more trademark performances.

Messi is only one goal behind Surridge (19) in the Golden Boot race, and has 10 assists as well. He's well on pace to surpass last year's goal contributions total (36) when he won MVP.

Lionel Messi puts on a show in Leagues Cup semifinal comeback

1. Anders Dreyer

Midfielder · San Diego FC

Dreyer has been the most consistent player throughout the entire season. What he's doing for an expansion team is simply phenomenal.

With a league-high 32 goal contributions (14 goals, 18 assists), he has San Diego on the verge of becoming the best expansion team in league history.

Versatility, efficiency, clutch moments – Dreyer delivers time and time again for San Diego. What a signing to lay the foundation for this club.

Anders Dreyer: August 2025 Player of the Month