Messi Nominated for 2026 MLS MVP Award, Eyes Third Win

Lionel Messi has been shortlisted for the 2026 Major League Soccer Most Valuable Player award, marking his chance to win the honor for a third consecutive season. The announcement was made by MLS on its website.

Messi, who previously won the MVP in 2024 and 2025, is nominated alongside Evander of FC Cincinnati, Guilherme of Houston Dynamo, Hany Mukhtar of Nashville SC, and Cavan Sullivan of Philadelphia Union. During the regular season, Messi scored 26 goals in 31 appearances, securing the 2026 MLS Golden Boot and becoming the first player in MLS history to win the Golden Boot in consecutive seasons.

He also recorded a team-leading 17 assists and earned the MLS Goal of the Matchday award seven times, being named in the MLS Team of the Matchday 13 times. The finalists for the awards were selected based on votes from MLS club technical staff, first-team players, and selected media members.

The winners will be announced throughout the Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs.