Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi remains MLS’s top star - but should the league change its format or consider promotion-relegation? GOAL surveyed players to find out

We gave it away in the intro, but similar to the inaugural player survey, Messi reigns supreme. 

While it wasn't as pronounced as last year, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner walked away with 70 percent of the player vote. 

Here is how the vote broke down: 

Unlike the previous category, where Messi was the runaway favorite, players were divided on who they felt were the most overrated players in the league. Ultimately, it came down to a three-way tie between Charlotte's Wilfried Zaha, Real Salt Lake's Diego Luna, and Toronto FC's new marquee signing, Walker Zimmerman. 

Here is the breakdown: 

Dejan Joveljić lifted MLS Cup with the LA Galaxy in 2024. Months later, he was the blockbuster acquisition for Sporting Kansas City - one of the league's small-market teams. The move took him out of Hollywood, but not out of the respect of his peers - who named him MLS’s most underrated player in GOAL’s annual survey.

Los Angeles is a repeat winner from last year's survey with 42 percent of the overall vote, but some players felt the need to clearly designate the LAFC side of the Angel City as their preference. San Diego FC, new rivals with both clubs, came in at second. 

Two stadiums that have faced public criticism emerged as players’ least favorite places to play: Colorado Rapids’ Dick’s Sporting Goods Park and Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Revolution.

The Revolution have announced plans for a long-anticipated move to a soccer-specific stadium in Everett. The Rapids, meanwhile, have not announced plans to significantly update Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, which has drawn criticism in recent years for a lack of renovations.

Here is the breakdown: 

The 3252, represent, represent!

LAFC and their well-known supporter groups at BMO Stadium nearly edged a narrow field of contenders. 

Players were asked which team was the best run outside of their own organizations. In a change from last year, which LAFC was voted best, the Seattle Sounders came out on top. 

Here are the vote breakdowns: 

Outside of their own managers, players were asked which MLS coach they would most like to play for. This year, that distinction went to former USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter, who returned to MLS last season and now leads the Chicago Fire.

Berhalter finished comfortably ahead of the field, while FC Cincinnati’s Pat Noonan also drew significant interest. Notably, several coaches who previously worked under Berhalter - including Nashville’s BJ Callaghan and San Diego FC’s Mikey Varas - were also named.

Players were asked to provide written answers to this question. Here are some of the top responses:

PLAYER: "The league has a very good reputation internationally, and a lot of players and coaches want to come. It is a well-run league."

PLAYER: "Messi"

PLAYER: "Having playoffs to end the season."

PLAYER: "Quality of players "

PLAYER: "Youth talent"

PLAYER: "The fans"

PLAYER: "Marketing"

It should be noted that Messi was mentioned by at least four players. 

Players were also asked to provide written answers about areas in which the league can improve:

PLAYER: "Higher spending (floor and cap), get rid of TAM/GAM, and make it easier to build/keep rosters together." 

PLAYER: "Salary cap"

PLAYER: "Every team gets its own jersey brand. Not every team has adidas jerseys." 

PLAYER: "More money for salaries."

PLAYER: "Change the roster rules, give teams more flexibility to spend how they want."

PLAYER: "Continue growing player standards "

PLAYER: "Fan connection "

PLAYER: "Not be a single entity [league]"

PLAYER: "TV Deal"

NOTE: Salary cap and roster rules were mentioned by multiple players in this survey. 

In arguably the most significant change in league history, MLS is moving to a fall-spring schedule for the 2027-28 season to align with the European calendar. The league and its top executives have stressed this move is going to help the league better compete in the global transfer and be more visible in a crowded American sports scene. 

Here is how the players felt about the move: 

While players were largely aligned on schedule shift, it was more of a split when it came to whether or not the league should change its current league structure. 

Players were also asked to give written answers if they agreed on a format switch on what the format should be. Here are their suggestions: 

PLAYER: "Four, geographically based conferences, play every team at least once every two years."

PLAYER:  "One table format."

PLAYER: "No playoffs. If yes, only one game."

PLAYER: "Promotion-Relegation"

PLAYER: "Regular season, no playoff, everyone plays everybody done."

USL generated plenty of buzz with its announcement of a promotion-relegation, prompting questions on whether or not MLS should follow suit. Here's how the players surveyed view it: 

Las Vegas was, once again, the clear favorite for MLS expansion, but there were some new challengers in the runner-ups. Players voiced their interest in seeing places like Baltimore and even New Orleans vie for the league's next destination.