Lionel Messi has had a career full of success, collecting titles, records and individual accolades that have cemented his legacy in football history. However, after lifting the 2025 MLS Cup, the Inter Miami star is now set to claim a prize he has never won before after being named one of three finalists.
The calendar year 2025 was another striking chapter for Messi. He led Inter Miami on deep runs in the CONCACAF Champions Cup and the FIFA Club World Cupreached the League Cup final, helped Argentina qualify for the World Cup 2026and ended the year by winning the MLS Cup. These achievements, combined with his record-setting numbers in the MLS, have earned him the opportunity to add another individual honor to his resume.
Lionel Messi has been selected as one of three finalists for the Rey de América (King of America) Award.presented by the Uruguayan outlet The country. The award recognizes the best South American player playing in America, which meant Messi was ineligible during Messi’s years at FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, meaning his move to the MLS finally opened the door to contention.
Last year Messi was also among the nominees, but due to his 2024 campaign he was not among the top voters. He finished fifth with 14 votesbehind winner Luiz Henrique and finalists Jefferson Savarino, Juan Fernando QuinteroAnd Thiago Almada. This time, however, Messi has reached the final stages of the voting and will look to win an award that has previously eluded him.
Inter Miami CF’s Lionel Messi #10 celebrates after winning the 2025 MLS Cup Western Conference Final.
The other two candidates for the prize
With more than 250 journalists taking part in the voting process, Messi faces stiff competition. There is one finalist Adrian “MiracleMartinezwhich the South American Cup Winnersreached the Semi-final Copa Libertadores-finished as the tournament’s top scorer – and guided Racing Club to the Argentine Torneo Clausura final.
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The third contender is the Uruguayan star Giorgian De Arrascaetawho had the best year of his career in 2025. He made it with Flamengo won the Copa Libertadores while being named MVP of the tournamentconquered the Brazil title as the competition’s top assist provider, and helped Uruguay qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
On December 31st The country will announce the winners of the Rey de América Awards for men’s players, women’s players and coaches. The honor was first introduced in 1986 and has significant historical weight. Messi faces stiff competition as he tries to win a trophy missing from his otherwise extensive collection.
Other star winners of the award
Just as the Ballon d’Or once only recognized players who competed in Europe, the Rey de América serves as a regional counterpart focusing on South American football. Since its founding in 1986 the award has honored countless world-class players who featured while playing on South American soil.
Shape Argentinian striker Carlos Tevez is the record holder with three Rey de América awardsearned during his club spells in Argentina and Brazil. He is followed by the Colombian legend Carlos ValderramaArgentina Juan Sebastian Veronand Messi’s former teammate at Barcelona and PSG, Neymarwho each won the prize twice.
Other iconic winners include Cafe, Juan Roman Riquelme, RomarioAnd Ronaldinhowhile Julian Alvarez also claimed the honor during his time at River Plate. Now he competes full-time in America with InterMiamiMessi has a rare opportunity to join that list and ultimately be crowned king.
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