Messi’s MLS MVP Three-Peat: Can Anyone Stop Him in 2026?

Lionel Messi’s pursuit of the MLS MVP award in 2026 is becoming one of the defining stories of the season’s final stretch. The Inter Miami captain is chasing a third consecutive honor, with Hany Mukhtar and Carles Gil among the players trying to interrupt that run.

In the latest published MVP assessment, Messi leads the contenders. However, Nashville’s outstanding campaign and New England’s strong position give his challengers compelling arguments of their own.

Why Messi Leads the MLS MVP Conversation

Messi’s case rests on his ability to score and create at an exceptional level. The late-September MVP rankings listed him with 21 goals and 13 assists, highlighting the combination that continues to make him so difficult to contain. Those figures represent that published snapshot rather than a live statistical update.

For opponents, the tactical dilemma is clear: closing his shooting lanes can leave room for a decisive pass, while protecting against that pass can give him space to finish.

That versatility strengthens his candidacy. Evaluating an attacker means considering more than the final touch; the ability to shape an entire possession also matters. Messi offers a persuasive case on both fronts.

Mukhtar and Gil Give the Race a Different Dimension

Hany Mukhtar’s strongest argument is his influence on Nashville’s success. His connection with Sam Surridge and Cristian Espinoza has helped drive a team pursuing both the Supporters’ Shield and the league’s single-season points record. Meanwhile, Gil’s creativity has been central to New England’s impressive campaign.

Their challenge raises an intriguing question: how much weight should voters give individual production compared with a player’s contribution to a leading team?

A decisive final run could strengthen either challenger’s case. Match-winning performances under pressure would provide fresh evidence just when attention turns toward the awards.

Messi remains the player to catch, but the trophy has not been decided. His rivals still have an opportunity to turn a seemingly familiar MVP story into a much closer debate.