Lionel Messi has secured a spot as a finalist for this year’s Major League Soccer MVP award, a move that has generated little surprise given his performance.
Alongside Messi, his teammate from Inter Miami, Luis Suarez, is also among the five finalists for the prestigious Landon Donovan MLS MVP award, which was announced on Thursday. The other nominees include Evander from the Portland Timbers, Cucho Hernandez representing the Columbus Crew, and D.C. United’s Christian Benteke, who earned the Golden Boot for scoring the highest number of goals this season.
Inter Miami ended the regular season in first place in the Eastern Conference, boasting an impressive record of 22 wins, 4 losses, and 8 draws, which totaled 74 points, setting an MLS record.
Despite dealing with injuries and international duties with the Argentine national team, Messi still made a significant impact for Miami, netting 20 goals and providing 16 assists in just 19 matches.
Inter Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender commented, “Despite missing time due to injuries and Copa America, Messi still contributed over 30 goals in total, demonstrating how remarkable his year was. While many players had impressive seasons, his achievements stand out.”
Suarez, who joined Messi at Inter Miami this season, matched Messi’s tally with 20 goals and is also in contention for the newcomer of the year award. The team is gearing up to clash with Atlanta United in their playoff opener on Friday night.
Evander made his mark with 15 goals and 19 assists for the Portland Timbers, who unfortunately faced elimination after a heavy 5-0 defeat against Vancouver in a wildcard match earlier this week.
Benteke excelled with 23 goals for D.C. United, but the team was unable to make the playoffs after a disappointing 3-0 loss to Charlotte in their final match.
Hernandez tallied 19 goals and 14 assists for the Columbus Crew, the reigning MLS Cup champions, who will begin their postseason against the New York Red Bulls.
The finalists for the annual MLS awards were selected based on the highest average votes from club technical staff, players, and selected media representatives.
Here’s a look at the other finalists for different categories this season:
**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).