Messi Eyes Historic Third Consecutive MLS MVP

Lionel Messi is positioned as the favorite to win the 2026 Landon Donovan MLS MVP award, which would make him the first player in league history to win the honor three consecutive times, as Sports Illustrated first reported.

Messi's candidacy comes during a volatile year for Inter Miami. Following the offseason departures of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, as well as the early exit of manager Javier Mascherano, the club struggled with stability. Sports Illustrated reports that Messi served as the "north star" for a squad that endured a disastrous interim period under Guillermo Hoyos, ultimately securing the third-best record in the league and second place in the Eastern Conference.

Statistically, Messi's 2026 campaign remains dominant. He led the league with 26 goals and recorded 17 assists, totaling 43 goal contributions—12 more than any other player, per Sports Illustrated. He also led the league in shots (183), shots on target (76), expected assists (12.7), and expected goal contributions per 90 minutes (1.13). While Charlotte's Pep Biel recorded more assists (18) and Evander created more big chances (27 to Messi's 25), Messi's overall output keeps him ahead of other contenders such as Vancouver's Brian White and Nashville's Hany Mukhtar and Sam Surridge.

Messi's domestic performance coincided with a deep run in his sixth FIFA World Cup, where he led Argentina to the final and won the World Cup Silver Ball, as reported by Sports Illustrated. He finished the tournament as the all-time assist provider (12) and surpassed Miroslav Klose's scoring record before being overtaken by Kylian Mbappé.