Lionel Messi has been named among five finalists for the 2026 Landon Donovan MLS Most Valuable Player award, with FC Cincinnati’s Evander and Houston Dynamo FC’s Guilherme also shortlisted following impressive regular-season campaigns.
Major League Soccer announced the finalists on Thursday, November 12, with the Inter Miami CF captain competing for the league’s most prestigious individual honour alongside Nashville SC’s Hany Mukhtar and Philadelphia Union teenager Cavan Sullivan.
Messi’s inclusion comes after another outstanding campaign in which the Argentine superstar secured the 2026 MLS Golden Boot, further strengthening his credentials for the MVP award.
Evander earned his place on the shortlist following his performances for FC Cincinnati, while Guilherme’s nomination highlights his impact at Houston Dynamo FC. The Brazilian midfielder is also a finalist for the MLS Newcomer of the Year award, making him one of only two players nominated for multiple honours.
The other player to achieve that distinction is 17-year-old Cavan Sullivan, who has been shortlisted for both MLS MVP and Young Player of the Year. Sullivan has made history as the youngest player ever and the first teenager to become an MLS MVP finalist.
Nashville SC emerged as the leading club in this year’s awards nominations, with six finalists across four categories. The club has three representatives in the Defender of the Year category: Andy Najar, Jeisson Palacios and Maxwell Woledzi.
The other major award categories include Sigi Schmid MLS Coach of the Year, MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, MLS Comeback Player of the Year and MLS Humanitarian of the Year.
The finalists were selected through a voting process involving MLS club technical staff, first-team players and selected media members, with each group accounting for one-third of the overall votes.
Winners will be announced throughout the Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs.
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