Why Lionel Messi is ‘top of the list’ for USMNT star in MLS MVP race – with Argentine icon turning Inter Miami from pretenders to contenders

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has been included on the list of hopefuls looking to land a prestigious individual prize. Messi has missed a number of games through injury this season, but remains a match-altering presence when fully fit.

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Messi has posted 17 goals and 10 assists through 18 MLS appearances, with more records being broken in the process, and has helped Inter Miami to a historic Supporters’ Shield triumph and standing as No.1 seeds in the MLS Cup play-offs.

Others may have played more games, in what is a 34-match campaign, but Ream has told Herons star and international colleague Julian Gressel on the Player/Manager podcast of why Messi deserves to be recognised as the best: "There’s a good number of candidates this year, for sure. The number of games Messi played to propel you guys from where Inter Miami was last year to the Supporters’ Shield, like I said, there’s good candidates, but he’s got to be at the top of the list."

Inter Miami could post the highest regular season points tally that MLS has ever seen, with one fixture left on their schedule, and Messi remains in the hunt for trophy No.47 in his record-shattering career. Fitness issues may, however, work against him when it comes to the distribution of MVP prizes.