Lionel Messi Eyes History With Third Consecutive MLS MVP Award
The Inter Miami captain is once again competing for MLS's Most Valuable Player award after another remarkable season with 26 goals and 17 assists.
Lionel Messi has another opportunity to make history in MLS. The Inter Miami captain has been named among the five finalists for the 2026 Landon Donovan MLS Most Valuable Player award and could become the first player to win the honor three consecutive times.
The Argentine, who won the MVP award in 2024 and 2025, delivered another extraordinary regular season. In 31 appearances, he scored 26 goals and provided 17 assists, contributing directly to 43 goals, the highest total in the league.
His performances also earned him the MLS Golden Boot for the second consecutive season, something no player had previously accomplished in league history.
Cavan Sullivan Makes History at 17
The biggest surprise among the finalists is Cavan Sullivan, the Philadelphia Union midfielder who became the youngest player ever nominated for the MLS MVP award.
At just 17 years old, the American finished the regular season with nine goals and 14 assists, setting a league record for a teenager with 23 goal contributions.
His performances proved crucial for Philadelphia Union, particularly following the 2026 World Cup break, when the young midfielder emerged as one of the team's key attacking figures.
Sullivan is also among the three finalists for MLS Young Player of the Year, alongside Julian Hall and Adri Mehmeti, both of Red Bull New York.
Messi's Competition for the MVP
Messi and Sullivan face three other contenders for the league's most prestigious individual award.
Hany Mukhtar, Nashville SC's standout performer, played a major role in helping his team win the Supporters' Shield with a league-record 77 points.
Meanwhile, Evander, of FC Cincinnati, finished the campaign with 31 goal contributions, while Guilherme, of Houston Dynamo, played a decisive role in helping his team return to the playoffs after missing out in 2025.
The five finalists for the 2026 MLS MVP award are:
- Lionel Messi — Inter Miami CF
- Cavan Sullivan — Philadelphia Union
- Hany Mukhtar — Nashville SC
- Evander — FC Cincinnati
- Guilherme — Houston Dynamo FC
Nashville Leads the Award Nominations
Beyond the MVP race, Nashville SC emerged as one of the biggest winners from the MLS awards announcement, earning six nominations across the different categories, more than any other club.
Head coach B.J. Callaghan is competing for the Coach of the Year award after guiding Nashville to the Supporters' Shield. His fellow finalists are Yoann Damet of St. Louis CITY SC and Jesper Sørensen of Vancouver Whitecaps.
Nashville also claimed all three finalist spots for Defender of the Year, with Andy Najar, Jeisson Palacios, and Maxwell Woledzi. Goalkeeper Brian Schwake is also in contention for Goalkeeper of the Year.
Another notable nominee is Antoine Griezmann of Orlando City, who is competing for the Newcomer of the Year award alongside Guilherme and André Luiz.
The winners of the major individual awards will be announced during the 2026 MLS playoffs, although a specific date for the MVP announcement has yet to be confirmed.
Records at Stake in the MLS Awards
- Lionel Messi: The Argentine is aiming to become the first player to win three consecutive MLS MVP awards and the first to claim the honor three times overall.
- Cavan Sullivan: At 17, he is the youngest finalist in MVP history and is also competing for Young Player of the Year.
- Nashville SC: The club leads all teams with six finalists, including all three nominees for Defender of the Year.
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Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini
Inter Miami CF
