L. Mesanvi: Minnesota’s #90 Proves Midfielders Can Actually Score (But Still Can’t Find Their Socks)

Loïc Mesanvi, rocking number 90 for Minnesota United FC, is a midfielder you really ought to keep an eye on. If you’re following Major League Soccer, you’ve probably seen his name pop up more lately. That’s thanks to his recent jump from MNUFC2 to the first team.

Mesanvi’s journey? It starts with Togolese youth football and now lands him in MLS action. That’s a testament to what hard work and a bit of grit can do at the pro level.

At only 22, Mesanvi brings a ton of energy and versatility to Minnesota United’s midfield. Coaches and fans already appreciate his ability to cover ground and link up play.

Back with MNUFC2, he racked up 35 matches, scored 5 goals, and chipped in 4 assists. Those numbers really show his value to the squad. If you’re the stat-hungry type, check out his player profile and stats.

Whether you’re a Minnesota supporter or just scouting emerging MLS talent, Mesanvi’s story is one to watch as this season rolls along.

Profile of Loïc Mesanvi

Loïc Mesanvi brings a burst of energy and a sharp skillset to Minnesota United FC’s midfield. His background, early soccer journey, and physical strengths really help you understand his style and what he brings to the club.

Personal Background

Mesanvi stands out as a versatile midfielder, able to push up as a forward when Minnesota needs a spark. Sporting the number 90, he’s become known for quick movement and an ability to connect plays in the center of the pitch.

Fans have started to notice his attacking instincts, which he really sharpened during his MNUFC2 days.

He made the leap to the Minnesota United first team after years of grinding it out in their development squads. Consistent performances in MLS NEXT Pro earned him that shot. Now, he’s taking on new challenges in Major League Soccer.

Nationality and Early Life

Born in Lomé, Togo, Mesanvi proudly carries Togolese nationality. He’s got ties to Ghana as well, but Togo is home base for his heritage.

He spent his early years bouncing between Africa and Minnesota, blending those cultures into his soccer mindset and tactical approach.

Coming up through the MNUFC Academy U19 squad, Mesanvi really committed to developing his game stateside. He joined MNUFC2 and landed his first pro contract there. That consistency got him regular starts and boosted his confidence as a young pro.

Physical Attributes

Mesanvi stands at 173 cm—about 5’8″—and has a solid, athletic frame. That helps him on both sides of the ball.

He’s right-footed, which lets him zip sharp passes and change direction quickly. His speed and agility make him dangerous in one-on-one situations.

Here’s a quick look at his physical profile:

Attribute	Value
Height	173 cm
Preferred Foot	Right
Position(s)	Midfielder, Forward
Jersey Number	90
Age (2025)	21 or 22

Mesanvi balances strength and quickness, letting him help out defensively and create attacking chances. Those traits fit his dual roles as a midfielder and sometimes-forward.

Club Career at Minnesota United FC

Mesanvi’s time with Minnesota United FC shows steady progress and some real versatility. You can see a young talent adapting fast, contributing in different roles, and earning more responsibility in both MLS NEXT Pro and Major League Soccer.

First Team Debut

You first saw Mesanvi make waves at Minnesota United in 2024. The club signed him after he put in some standout shows for MNUFC2, the reserve team in MLS NEXT Pro.

He made his senior debut on February 25, 2024, playing in a 2-1 win over Austin FC.

Before that, Mesanvi shined for MNUFC2, making 35 appearances with 18 starts. He scored 5 goals and added 4 assists. That move to the senior squad just felt right for a player so composed at a young age.

You can dig into his signing and debut at Minnesota United’s official website or his Wikipedia profile.

Performance in MLS

After the promotion, Mesanvi got his feet wet in regular season MLS matches for Minnesota United. He didn’t rack up a ton of appearances early, but coaches trusted him to bring energy and take on defenders in the midfield.

Here’s a look at his stats across the 2024 season for both MNUFC2 and the senior team:

Season	Team	Appearances	Starts	Goals	Assists
2023	MNUFC2	35	18	5	4
2024	Minnesota United	2+	–	0	0

Mesanvi’s early MLS stats are pretty modest. Still, stepping up from MLS NEXT Pro to the first team is a big leap.

His technical skills, speed, and defensive work-rate help him adjust to the higher level.

Role Within the Team

Inside the Minnesota United squad, Mesanvi fills a midfielder role that shifts depending on what the game needs.

You might spot him out on the left wing, using his pace and ball control, or more centrally when the team needs a steady hand.

Coaches slot him in where they want energy, pressing, and smart choices in tight spaces.

Mesanvi’s journey through the club’s youth system means he gets the tactical approach. He’s reliable and brings experience from both the pro and developmental sides.

With a contract through 2025 and options for more, Mesanvi’s fighting for minutes and looking to make bigger contributions as Minnesota United pushes up the table. For contract details, check the official Minnesota United announcement.

Progression Through Development Pathways

When you look at Mesanvi’s career, you see a player who’s climbed up through Minnesota’s soccer system. His path shows how local development and strong high school play can launch a professional career.

MNUFC Academy and MNUFC2 Experience

Mesanvi’s pro roots go back to the MNUFC Academy, where he learned the basics and built his midfield skills.

Those early days? All about attention to detail and steady improvement.

After the academy, he moved up to MNUFC2 in MLS NEXT Pro and jumped in as an attacking threat from midfield.

Over 35 games, he scored 5 goals and notched 4 assists, logging nearly 1,700 minutes. Getting those regular minutes against tough competition set him up for the first team.

Here’s a snapshot of his MNUFC2 season stats:

Season	Games	Starts	Goals	Assists	Minutes
2023-24	35	18	5	4	1,700

His adaptability and focus made him stand out, earning that first-team contract with Minnesota United.

Lakeville South High School Achievements

Before you heard Mesanvi’s name with Minnesota United, he was turning heads at Lakeville South High School in Minnesota. His time there really set the foundation for his reputation as a player to watch.

At Lakeville South, Mesanvi’s athleticism and skill put him in the thick of things from his very first varsity match. He scored clutch goals in big games and often took on leadership, even as a young guy.

That high school experience let him test his technical ability and grow as a leader under pressure. It made the move to the academy system smoother and gave him the confidence to chase a pro career.

Statistical Overview

You get a clear sense of Mesanvi’s progress by checking out his appearances, goals, and contributions for Minnesota United FC in MLS. His play on the field says a lot about his technical skill and what he brings to the squad.

Career Appearances and Goals

Mesanvi, wearing number 90, joined Minnesota United FC’s senior squad from their MLS NEXT Pro affiliate in 2024. He plays mainly as a midfielder, but he’s also stepped up as a forward when needed.

At just 22, Mesanvi’s gone from Togo to Major League Soccer—pretty rapid rise, honestly.

Here’s a quick look at his pro stats:

Season	Club	League	Appearances	Goals
2024	Minnesota United FC	MLS	7	1
2023	MNUFC2 (affiliate)	MLS NEXT Pro	15	8

Those numbers show he’s adjusted quickly, making an impact with the senior team. His scoring with the MLS NEXT Pro squad jumps out, and his early MLS progress is promising.

You can keep tabs on his stats at his Minnesota United FC profile.

Assists and Key Contributions

Mesanvi’s influence goes beyond just goals. His vision and passing have led to several key assists for both the senior and developmental teams.

For Minnesota United FC, he’s delivered some crucial assists in league play, helping set up attacks from the midfield and out wide.

Stat breakdowns show he’s creating chances at a high rate for a first-year MLS guy. In 2024, he logged 2 assists across all competitions.

As he gets more minutes, his knack for connecting with strikers and breaking down defenses keeps growing.

Back with MNUFC2, he notched 5 assists in 2023. You can follow his latest assist numbers at FBref.

This balance of goals and assists suggests Mesanvi’s going to be a steady contributor in the attack.

Notable Matches and Highlights

Mesanvi has stepped up in big matches for Minnesota United FC, shaping some important moments for the team. He’s turned heads with performances against strong opponents, showing skill and composure when it matters most.

MLS Debut Versus Austin FC

You probably remember the energy in the stadium when L. Mesanvi stepped onto the field for Minnesota United FC. He made his MLS debut against Austin FC, and honestly, you could feel the anticipation from the crowd.

Mesanvi jumped right into the action, linking up quick passes and darting through midfield. He kept things moving, finding space and showing off some really smart movement.

What really stood out? Mesanvi played with a calmness you just don’t see in many young players. He moved the ball with purpose and never looked rattled, even when the pressure cranked up.

Sure, he didn’t get on the scoresheet, but coaches and analysts definitely noticed his influence. Fans picked up on his defensive hustle, especially when he sprinted back to shut down Austin’s counterattacks.

Here’s a quick look at some stats from his first MLS match:

Statistic	Value
Minutes Played	27
Pass Accuracy	88%
Key Passes	1
Tackles	2

If you’re curious about more details, check out his player profile on ESPN.

Leagues Cup Participation

Minnesota United called up Mesanvi for their Leagues Cup run, which brought together MLS and Liga MX teams. The stakes felt big, and Mesanvi started grabbing a bigger role in the midfield as the tournament rolled on.

You could see his tactical awareness every time he stepped onto the pitch. He helped the team keep possession against some tough, experienced opponents.

Mesanvi didn’t back down from physical battles. He broke up attacks and set things back in motion with clean passes. His quick feet and sharp reads limited chances for the other side, especially when things got tense.

Fans noticed the work rate and discipline, particularly during those nail-biter group stage games. The way he handled himself in these matches made it clear—he’s ready for bigger moments. You could hear it in the way coaches and local media talked about him after the games.

Honors and Recognition

L. Mesanvi’s story is one of steady progress and well-earned recognition. From Minnesota school fields to the pro stage with Minnesota United FC, he’s shown a mix of local grit and emerging talent that’s tough to ignore.

High School and Local Accolades

If you followed Minnesota high school soccer, you’ve seen Loïc Mesanvi’s name pop up for Lakeville South High School. Coaches loved his speed, and he brought a relentless work rate every single game.

He played regularly for the varsity squad and earned spots in several regional showcases. Local circles respected both his technical skills and his attitude on and off the field.

Mesanvi helped push Lakeville South on deep playoff runs. Coaches and teammates often mentioned his influence, not just in matches but also in training and around school.

That local buzz set the stage for his jump to the Minnesota United Academy.

Professional Milestones

Folks, you’re looking at a young talent who climbed up from Minnesota’s own MLS NEXT Pro squad, MNUFC2. He signed his first pro contract back in late 2022—what a moment that must’ve been.

With MNUFC2, Mesanvi racked up 35 appearances. He started 18 matches, bagged five goals, and chipped in four assists. All that in just under 1,700 minutes on the pitch. That’s not too shabby for a player just getting his feet wet at the professional level.

Let’s break down Mesanvi’s pro stats so far:

Team	Appearances	Starts	Goals	Assists	Minutes Played
MNUFC2 (MLS NEXT Pro)	35	18	5	4	1,700
Minnesota United FC (MLS)	2	0	0	0	—

Minnesota United FC offered him a first-team deal, locking him in through 2025. They even tacked on options for 2026 and 2027—clearly, they see something special here.

Mesanvi made his MLS debut this season. He’s now one of the rare local academy graduates to earn first team minutes for Minnesota United FC.

If you want the nitty-gritty, you can dive into Mesanvi’s contract details and player journey on the Minnesota United FC website.