'Without a doubt' - Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi brutally snubbed as LAFC's Denis Bouanga names best MLS player ahead of All-Star Game

Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi is the division’s reigning MVP, having claimed that prize on the back of helping Inter Miami to set a new points record when savouring Supporters’ Shield honours in 2024.

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The Argentine GOAT has been delivering more moments of magic over recent weeks, with a flurry of braces taking his goal tally for the season to 24 through 29 appearances, but questions are being asked of how much longer he will be sticking around in the United States.

Messi has been selected to start in the 2025 All-Star Game which will see the best of MLS take on a select XI from Mexico’s Liga MX. His participation in that fixture remains questionable, with Inter Miami eager to avoid any injury risks, and Bouanga claims the South American superstar is not the top-performing star in MLS.

He said: “I said it on Instagram, for me [FC Cincinnati playmaker Evander] is the best player in the MLS, without a doubt. He’s doing very well, and I can’t wait to play with him on the field.”

French forward Bouanga - who has already won MLS Cup, Supporters Shield, US Open Cup and Golden Boot honours during his time with LAFC - added on All-Star action: “Just facing the level of the Mexican league. I know there are very, very good players there, and it’s always a pleasure to play against a Mexican team. I think the level is very high and the game is good for both the fans and us.”

The 2025 All-Star Game will take place at Q2 Stadium in Texas on Wednesday. It remains to be seen whether Messi steps foot on the field, with the 38-year-old mulling over plenty of options at present - with a 12-month extension clause in his Inter Miami contract yet to be triggered.