Lionel Messi Eyes Historic Third MLS MVP Amid Strong Competition
Lionel Messi is on the brink of yet another remarkable achievement in his illustrious career, as he has been nominated for one of Major League Soccer's most prestigious individual honors. Following a standout season with Inter Miami, Messi is in contention for the Landon Donovan MLS Most Valuable Player award, a title he hopes to secure for the third consecutive year. This potential milestone is significant, as no player in the league's history has ever won the MVP award three times.
In the 2026 season, Messi showcased his extraordinary talent by scoring 26 goals and providing 17 assists across 31 appearances. His impressive 43 goal contributions not only earned him the 2026 MLS Golden Boot but also solidified his status as one of the league's most influential players. This achievement marks a historic moment, as Messi becomes the first player to win the Golden Boot in consecutive seasons, further emphasizing his dominance in the league.
Messi's consistent excellence was highlighted by his recognition as Goal of the Matchday on seven occasions and his inclusion in the MLS Team of the Matchday 13 times. His performances have once again placed him among the top contenders for the league's most coveted individual prize. However, this year's competition is particularly fierce, with four other players also vying for the MVP title.
The challengers include Evander from Cincinnati, Guilherme of Houston Dynamo, Hany Mukhtar of Nashville, and Cavan Sullivan of Philadelphia Union. Each of these players has made a compelling case for the award. Evander has recorded 31 goal contributions, while Mukhtar played a pivotal role in Nashville's triumph in the Supporters' Shield. Guilherme has been instrumental in helping Houston secure a playoff spot, and Sullivan, at just 17 years old, has emerged as one of the league's most exciting young talents, significantly contributing to Philadelphia's resurgence after a rocky start to the season.
Messi's historic MVP chase in context
Messi's nomination is particularly noteworthy when considering the history of the league's awards. If he secures the MVP title in 2026, he will become the first player ever to achieve three Landon Donovan MLS MVP awards, having previously won in 2024 and 2025. Currently, he shares the record for the most MVP victories with Preki, who won the award in 1997 and 2003 while playing for the Kansas City Wizards. Notably, every other player in MLS history has won the award only once, making Messi's potential third triumph an unprecedented accomplishment.
As the league prepares for the announcement of the MVP winner, Messi's impact on MLS is undeniable. His presence has not only drawn larger crowds to matches but has also elevated the profile of the league on a global scale. The 2026 season has seen Inter Miami at the center of the league's biggest attendances, further underscoring Messi's influence.
No Points for Excuses
In addition to his on-field achievements, Messi's legacy is being discussed in the context of the next generation of football stars. Spain's coach Luis de la Fuente has identified Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal as potential successors to Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, indicating the changing of the guard in the world of football.
As Messi continues to add to his impressive collection of trophies and accolades, the anticipation surrounding the MVP award only adds to the excitement of the upcoming announcement. With his remarkable consistency and the fierce competition he faces, the 2026 MLS MVP race promises to be one for the history books.
