As the MLS regular season comes to a close, one might think that after leading Inter Miami to a record-breaking 74 points, becoming the club’s all-time leading goal scorer, and securing a Club World Cup berth, Lionel Messi would have the MVP title in the bag. But is it?
Certainly, the World Cup winner has looked the part, as we saw in his man-of-the-match performance against New England in the last game of the season, where he managed a hat-trick in less than a half of soccer. However, it’s important for us to define what an MVP truly is. Is it simply the best player in MLS, or is it the most valuable player to his team? This is where the discussion takes a turn and becomes a bit more interesting.
Certainly, no matter how the discussion unfolds, Messi is a part of it. However, he made significantly fewer appearances than the other three players in the conversation: Lucho Acosta, Cucho Hernández, and Christian Benteke.
While Benteke is certainly one of the best players in MLS and a well-deserved Golden Boot winner, he cannot be seriously considered for MVP due to the seasons the other contenders have had. The Ohio duo, Lucho Acosta and Cucho Hernández, have had significant impacts on their teams. Both have led their clubs to strong playoff positions and were challengers for the Supporters’ Shield. In fact, both teams were in the conversation for the final spot in the Club World Cup. So, let’s take a look at the numbers.
Cucho Hernández (Columbus Crew):
-19 goals and 10 assists in the regular season.
-Key figure is the Leagues Cup
Lucho Acosta (FC Cincinnati):
-14 goals and 16 assists, solidifying his position as one of the most productive playmakers in MLS.
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami):
• 20 goals and 10 assists in MLS play, placing him among the top contributors despite fewer appearances due to injuries and international commitments.
Hernandez was a point creating machine.  not only was he, his teams biggest threat in terms of scoring, but he was also one of their best play creators. His Ohio rival Acosta let the league in assist with a highly impressive total of 16!
When watching Columbus Crew and FC Cincinnati this season, it’s undeniable how crucial these two players are to their teams. Given their impressive stats, it’s impossible not to consider them in the MVP race. There is no bad choice with any of these three players and depending on what you are looking for you may have a three different answers.
T.T. DesRois | FBD Editor
