Who is the brightest star in MLS - and the most overrated? Best fan base, best coach, best city, area in which league must improve? GOAL surveyed players to find out

No surprise here, as Lionel Messi takes this by a significant margin. The 37-year-old received 88 percent of the vote from players polled, but - perhaps a bit shockingly - it wasn't unanimous.

The other 12 percent came from the LA Galaxy's Riqui Puig and San Jose's Cristian Espinoza.

The Vote Breakdown:

Lionel Messi, Inter Miami, 88 percent

Riqui Puig, LA Galaxy, 8 percent

Cristian Espinoza, San Jose Earthquakes, 4 percent

This one generated a wide variety of answers from players, but there was a top choice: Toronto FC's Lorenzo Insigne.

The former Italy international was the second highest-paid player in MLS after Mess last year, but he hasn't delivered on massive expectations as injuries and inconsistent performances have impacted him. Toronto FC recently left the player off travel plans and have been open in saying he's not in their plan this season.

The Vote Breakdown:

Lorenzo Insigne, Toronto FC, 35 percent

Kellyn Acosta, Chicago Fire, 20 percent

Stefan Frei, Seattle Sounders, 10 percent

Mikael Uhre, Philadelphia Union, 8.75 percent

Roman Burki, St. Louis CITY SC, 8.75 percent

Anders Dreyer, San Diego FC, 5 percent

Some players declined to answer this question, with one writing, "Respect your friends and players."

Los Angeles was the leader when it came to cities in which MLS players prefer to play in, but there was some competition from up north.

The Vote Breakdown:

Los Angeles, 40 percent

Montreal, 30 percent

Nashville, 20 percent

San Jose, 10 percent

MLS fanbases have become famous across many cities' sporting landscapes. Again, Los Angeles - specifically LAFC - took the lead among players in terms of having the best opposing fans.

The Vote Breakdown:

Los Angeles FC, 50 percent

Atlanta United FC, 20 percent

Portland Timbers, 20 percent

Austin FC, 10 percent

Players were asked which team was the best run outside of their own organizations. LAFC again came out on top.

The Vote Breakdown:

LAFC, 41.6 percent

Columbus Crew, 33.3 percent

Seattle Sounders, 7.3 percent

LA Galaxy, 7.3 percent

In this category, 10.5 percent of the players surveyed were undecided.

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

PLAYER: "Ownership spending mechanisms, bringing in new talent and ability to trade talent internally."

PLAYER: "Clubs in good soccer markets, coast to coast."

PLAYER: "Messi."

PLAYER: "Opportunity for growth with World Cup in 2026."

PLAYER: "International youth movement."

PLAYER: "Excitement surrounding Messi and his friends being in the league."

PLAYER: "Having Messi in the league."

PLAYER: "Parity."

Other responses highlighted diversity on the pitch, the work done by SUM marketing, and the overall infrastructure of the league.

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

PLAYER: "Get rid of the salary cap and get on the Euro calendar."

PLAYER: "All teams need to be back in Open Cup. Cannot be a true 'Open Cup' without all teams in it."

PLAYER: "We need free agency, get rid of draft and rookie deals with endless option years."

PLAYER: "Salary Cap. Have a higher floor."

PLAYER: "We need a shorter season."

PLAYER: "Add player options in the contracts."

PLAYER: "Playoff format."

PLAYER: "Referees."
PLAYER: "Calendar, salary cap, owners."

PLAYER: "DP players."

In addition, several players raised free agency as the biggest area in which MLS can improve - which could be an indicator of topic at the forefront of the next CBA negotiations between the league and players.

Outside of their own managers, what coach would players most like to play for? The Crew's Wilfried Nancy, reigning MLS Coach of the Year, was the overwhelming choice - which shouldn't come as a surprise considering his success in Columbus.

The Vote Breakdown:

Wilfried Nancy, Columbus Crew: 50 percent

Dean Smith, Charlotte FC: 8.3 percent

Ben Olsen, Houston Dyanmo: 8.3 percent

Bruce Arena, San Jose Earthquates: 8.3 percent

Javier Mascherano, Inter Miami: 8.3 percent

In this category, 8.3 percent of players said "not sure."

The sentiment was overwhelmingly positive regarding the expansion franchise.

The Vote Breakdown:

YES: 91.7 percent

NO: 8.3 percent

MLS is always evaluating potential new markets as the league continues to grow and expand, now expanded to 30 teams. Here is where players think the league should look next.

The Vote Breakdown:

Las Vegas: 41.6 percent

Phoenix: 33.3 percent

Tulsa, Oklahoma: 8.3 percent

Interestingly, 16.6 percent of the players said "none" when asked about the next market.