One of the great Latin American highlights of 2025 MLS seasonthe Brazilian Evander ended the year in the spotlight. The midfielder fought until the end for the prize MVP and leaguecompeting with big names such as Lionel Messi, Denis Bouanga e Anders Dreyer. In the end, the trophy went to the Argentine, who added another feat to his historic career.
During the Media Day da MLSalready planning the 2026 season, Evander spoke naturally about the individual dispute and showed good humor when asked about what he needed to do to win the award.
— What was missing was to take Messi out of the league — he said, laughing.
High-level dispute in MLS 2025
Despite the joke, the Brazilian made a point of highlighting the level of competition and his pride in having reached the finalists.
— Being an MVP was never my goal here. I always tried to play well and help the team. Being among the finalists already makes me feel like a winner, even more so alongside players like Messi, Bouanga and Dreyer — he said.
Evander ended the season as one of the main technical references in MLS, being decisive in big games and maintaining regularity throughout the competition. For him, competing on equal terms with one of the greatest players in the history of world football says a lot about his evolution.
Messi decides and makes a difference in big moments
The Brazilian also recalled the Eastern Conference semi-finalwhen the Inter Miami ran over the FC Cincinnati 4-0, with Messi scoring a goal. For Evander, the weight of experience was decisive in that confrontation.
— In games like this, they have players who are used to making big decisions. Semifinal, final… these guys approach it differently. Messi, when he is at his best, is very difficult to stop – he analyzed.
According to him, the success of Inter Miami goes through a clear plan: mixing young talent with experienced players who have already played in the big leagues.
— This sends a message to the entire league. It shows how to hire well, how to balance the cast and how to be at your peak in decisive moments — he added.
Cincinnati planning for 2026
Looking ahead, Evander highlighted that the FC Cincinnati needs to maintain the basis of the work done in 2025, but correct details that were costly in the final stretch.
— We didn’t win the title because of small details. That’s what we need to improve on. Continuity is fundamental, but we have to improve on these points to have a better season — he said.
The midfielder made it clear that the group has ambition and understands that the MLS level requires consistency from the beginning to the end of the calendar.
Growth of MLS and strength of fans
Evander also spoke about the evolution of Major League Soccerwhich continues to gain space inside and outside the United States.
— The league is growing a lot. When I played in Portland, I saw an extremely passionate crowd. In Cincinnati against Columbus, it’s also a real classic. This strengthens MLS — he highlighted.
For the Brazilian, fan involvement is one of the pillars for the development of the championship, both in terms of visibility and competitiveness.
Inter Miami is not a villain, says Evander
Asked about the image of Inter Miami after big signings, Evander went straight. For him, the Florida club only does what others should do.
— I don’t see Inter Miami as a villain. They are reinforcing themselves well, as other clubs should too. They are taking advantage of Messi’s arrival to grow, and that is great for the league — he said.
According to the midfielder, this movement increases the level of competition and forces other clubs to organize themselves better.
— The stronger the championship, the better for everyone — he summarized.
References: Ronaldinho and Neymar
Finally, Evander spoke about his inspirations in Brazilian football. Two names marked its formation: Ronaldinho Gaucho e Neymar.
— Ronaldinho was different. I stopped everything to watch his games. Then came Neymar, who became an idol of my generation. They are players that I admire a lot,” he said.
Even today, already consolidated in MLS, Evander maintains the habit of reviewing moves from his idols.
— When I’m calm at home, I put videos of them on YouTube. You can always learn something — he concluded.
