League: MLS Sport: Soccer Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Lionel Messi, Cavan Sullivan named MLS MVP finalists for 2026

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Nov 12, 2026, 6:09 PM

Last updated Nov 12, 2026

Lionel Messi, Cavan Sullivan named MLS MVP finalists for 2026

Summary

Lionel Messi has been named an MLS MVP finalist for the third consecutive year. Philadelphia Union's Cavan Sullivan, at 17, is the youngest player ever to be shortlisted for the award. Alongside Messi and Sullivan, the finalists include Hany Mukhtar, Evander, and Guilherme. Messi's prolific season included 26 goals and 17 assists, leading the league with 43 goal contributions. The MVP announcement comes as Nashville SC's B.J. Callaghan, St. Louis CITY SC's Yoann Damet, and Vancouver Whitecaps' Jesper Sørensen are nominated for Coach of the Year.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Messi scored 26 goals and 17 assists in 31 appearances.
•Sullivan had nine goals and 14 assists, setting a teenager record.
•Nashville leads with six finalists across several categories.
•Callaghan guided Nashville to a record 77 points this season.
•Sullivan is also a finalist for Young Player of the Year.

Latest Updates

6:09 PMYahoo Sports — Lionel Messi eyes historic third straight MLS MVP award as USMNT star Cavan Sullivan becomes youngest-ever finalist

What they're saying

"
Lionel Messi has been named an MLS MVP finalist for the third consecutive season, while Philadelphia Union star Cavan Sullivan has become the youngest player ever shortlisted for the award. The 17-year-old USMNT midfielder joins Messi, Nashville SC’s Hany Mukhtar, FC Cincinnati’s Evander and Houston Dynamo’s Guilherme among the five finalists announced by MLS on Thursday.
— Yahoo Sports

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