Lionel Messi on Verge of MLS History as 2026 MVP Finalist, Full List of Contenders Announced

Lionel Messi's bid to become the first three-time winner of the MLS MVP took another step on Thursday.

The Inter Miami superstar was named as one of the five finalists for the award, joining the Philadelphia Union's Cavan Sullivan, FC Cincinnati's Evander, Houston Dynamo's Guilherme and Nashville SC's Hany Mukhtar.

Messi, 39, should win the award. He leads MLS with 26 goals and is second with 17 assists. His 43 goal contributions easily lead the league, with FC Dallas' Petar Musa a distant second at 28.

There's basically no doubt that Messi is the best player in MLS. The only real question is whether voter fatigue may lead to a different player winning the award.

Sullivan, 17, is the sport's brightest young star, posting nine goals and 14 assists on the season. The next great hope of the USMNT would probably have MLS MVP awards in his future if he remained in the league, though he can join the Premier League's Manchester City once he's 18 and seems likely to do so.

Evander, 28, has 14 goals and 17 assists on the campaign. In a league without Messi, he'd potentially be the frontrunner for the award.

Guilherme, 31, has 16 goals and 10 assists on the season. And rounding out the candidates is the 31-year-old Mukhtar, with 17 goals and eight assists.

But it's likely to be Messi's award for a third straight season. He's the GOAT for a reason.