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

Lionel Messi named MVP favorite as MLS action continues this weekend

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 28, 2026, 12:30 PM

Last updated Aug 28, 2026

Lionel Messi named MVP favorite as MLS action continues this weekend

Summary

Lionel Messi, currently with 14 goals and nine assists this season, is favored to win the 2026 MLS MVP award according to former player Sacha Kljestan. As Inter Miami contends for the MLS Cup, Messi's performance has helped elevate the team in the standings. He has won the MVP award in 2024 and 2025, and another victory would make him the first player to win it three times. Only D.C. United has more total MVP awards as a team.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Messi scored 14 goals and provided nine assists this season.
•Kljestan lists Messi as the top MVP candidate for 2026.
•Inter Miami is vying for the MLS Cup title this year.
•Messi aims to become the first player with three MVP awards.
•D.C. United currently has the most MVP wins by a team.

Latest Updates

12:30 PMYahoo Sports — Lionel Messi could make MLS history in 2026 as Miami star named among MVP favourites

What they're saying

"
Former soccer player Sacha Kljestan has backed Lionel Messi to be among the favourites for this year’s MLS MVP award. Ahead of the weekend’s action getting underway, Messi already has 14 goals and nine assists to his name this year.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

D.C. United Inter Miami Arsenal Aston Villa Barcelona Real Madrid Chelsea MLS Soccer