Major League Soccer officially announces the final candidates for MVP: Messi leads the way!

October 28th. Messi recently received two nominations. One is the final candidate for the MVP of the American Major League, and the other is the candidate for the FIFPRO best team. However, there is also an inconsistent name among the candidates for the FIFPRO best team, and that is Cristiano Ronaldo.

Let’s first take a look at Messi’s selection as the final MVP candidate of the American Major League. When Messi's name once again appeared on the final short list of MLS Most Valuable Player, it was no longer news and became a natural norm. The first player in history delivered an astonishing report card in the 2025 season: 45 goals in 28 games, 29 goals and 16 assists. He ranked first in the league in goals and assists (if assists are based on Major League standards). His team was only 1 point away from defending the title. If he finally wins the award, he will become the first player in league history to successfully defend the MVP title.

The great thing about Messi is that he perfectly combines personal performance with team victory. Under his feet, breaking records is no longer just for the sake of improving data, but a natural outcome on the road to victory. He redefined the meaning of "most valuable" - not just a number on the stat sheet, but the transformative force that takes a team from mediocrity to excellence. While other stars are still fighting for personal honors, Messi has transcended this level. His presence itself is improving the competitive level and viewing value of the entire league.

At the same time, Ronaldo’s name appears in the 26-man candidate list for the annual best team announced by the International Football Players Association, which is particularly dazzling. As the only global award decided entirely by professional player votes, FIFPRO Best Team should represent the highest recognition among peers. However, Ronaldo's selection is more like a tribute to past glory rather than an objective evaluation of current performance. True honor should be based on actual performance, not the afterglow of past fame. In this sense, Ronaldo's nomination undoubtedly lowers the authority of the award.