Lionel Messi leads the list of Major League Soccer MVP finalists this season, a recognition that comes as no surprise to fans and analysts alike.
Joining Messi is his Inter Miami teammate, Luis Suárez, who is also in the running for the prestigious Landon Donovan MLS MVP award. The competition includes Evander from the Portland Timbers, Cucho Hernandez of the Columbus Crew, and D.C. United’s Christian Benteke, who clinched the Golden Boot for scoring the most goals this season.
Inter Miami concluded the season with an impressive record, finishing first in the Eastern Conference with 22 wins, 4 losses, and 8 draws, accumulating a historic 74 points and earning the Supporters Shield for the best regular-season performance.
Despite facing injuries and international duties with Argentina, Messi made a significant impact, leading the team with 20 goals and 16 assists across 19 matches.
“He missed some time this year due to Copa América injuries, but his return was remarkable,” said Inter Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender. “With over 30 goal contributions, he truly had an outstanding season. While many players excelled this year, Messi’s achievements stand out.”
Suárez, who reunited with Messi in Miami, also shone bright, netting 20 goals and earning a nod for newcomer of the year. The team is gearing up to face Atlanta United in the playoffs, starting Friday night.
Evander made his mark with 15 goals and 19 assists for the Timbers, who unfortunately faced a heavy defeat against Vancouver, ending their playoff hopes.
Benteke’s impressive tally of 23 goals for D.C. United was not enough to secure a playoff spot, as the team was eliminated following a loss to Charlotte.
Hernandez contributed significantly to the Crew, the defending MLS Cup champions, with 19 goals and 14 assists, as they prepare for a first-round playoff matchup against the Red Bulls.
The finalists for the league’s annual awards were determined based on the highest average votes from MLS club technical staff, first-team players, and select media members. Other notable finalists for the season’s MLS awards include:
Sigi Schmid MLS Coach of the Year: Chris Armas (Colorado Rapids), Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino (Inter Miami), Wilfried Nancy (Columbus Crew).
Audi Goals Drive Progress Impact Award: Andrew Farrell (New England Revolution), Darlington Nagbe (Columbus Crew), Ilie Sánchez (LAFC).
MLS Comeback Player of the Year: Robin Lod (Minnesota United), Maxi Moralez (New York City), Lewis Morgan (New York Red Bulls).
MLS Defender of the Year: Jordi Alba (Inter Miami), Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew), Jackson Ragen (Seattle Sounders).
MLS Goalkeeper of the Year: Kristijan Kahlina (Charlotte FC), Hugo Lloris (LAFC), Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew).
MLS Newcomer of the Year: Luca Orellano (FC Cincinnati), Gabriel Pec (LA Galaxy), Luis Suárez (Inter Miami).
MLS Young Player of the Year: Diego Gómez (Inter Miami), Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake), Cristian Olivera (LAFC).
