Messi leads the race for MLS MVP
Lionel Messi leads the Landon Donovan MLS MVP race with 37 goal contributions, including 23 goals and 14 assists. Cucho Hernández remains a key factor for Columbus Crew with 14 goal involvements, but Messi's statistical dominance places him ahead in the competition.
Lionel Messi leads the Landon Donovan MLS MVP race with 23 goals and 14 assists, making him the favorite to secure a historic three-peat while captaining a star-studded Inter Miami CF squad. This production gives him a league-leading 37 goal contributions. He remains elite even after a recent injury scare in a match against Montreal where he felt discomfort in his upper right leg. Inter Miami CF holds the Eastern Conference No. 2 seed after booking a playoff spot midweek. The team recently achieved two straight wins over D.C. United and New York City FC with a combined 6-0 scoreline. Miami currently holds 55 points after 30 matches and has scored 73 goals this season. Messi captains a roster that includes Luis Suarez, Rodrigo De Paul, and Casemiro. Head coach Tata Martino oversees the club as they look to become the first back-to-back MLS Cup winners since 2011-12. The team recently secured a 2-2 draw against Atlanta United in early September. Atlanta star players Miguel Almiron and Breel Embolo have also been factors in Miami’s recent matches. Messi’s ability to change a game remains the reason he leads the league during this stretch.
Cucho Hernandez and Columbus surge
Cucho Hernandez provides scoring for Columbus Crew as the club attempts to close a four-point gap with FC Cincinnati. He has 11 goals and 3 assists in 32 matches. His expected goals total of 12.86 suggests high efficiency. Columbus Crew has experienced a scoring surge, netting 17 goals in their last 10 matches. The team holds 32 points from 29 matches. Hernandez recorded 14 goal involvements and attempted 88 shots this season. He maintains a shot accuracy of 30.68 percent and recorded 25 successful dribbles. He averages 1.62 dribbles per 90 minutes and 1.17 passes that lead to chances per 90 minutes. Hernandez has played 2594 minutes with an average of 81 minutes per appearance. He has also recorded 7 home goals and 4 away goals. The Crew has scored 44 goals so far this year and underwent a midseason coaching change with Laurent Courtois. The club also added Designated Players Brais Mendez and Santiago Rodriguez during the summer transfer window. Hernandez has been fouled 38 times and has committed 22 fouls this season. FC Cincinnati currently holds the ninth and final playoff spot with 36 points after 28 matches. Their attack includes playmaker Evander, who has 13 goals and 13 assists, and striker Kevin Denkey, who has 17 goals and 5 assists.
| Player | Goals | Assists | Matches |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lionel Messi | 23 | 14 | 30 |
| Cucho Hernandez | 11 | 3 | 32 |
The MVP verdict
Messi clearly comes out ahead in the MVP race. His 37 goal contributions far exceed the 14 goal involvements from Hernandez. Messi leads the league in both goals and assists. While Hernandez helps Columbus Crew, his individual numbers lack the volume to challenge for the top award. Hernandez scores 0.38 goals per 90 minutes, whereas Messi remains the most effective player in the league. You should focus on the statistical gap between these two attackers. The difference in production is stark. Messi has scored 23 goals, which is more than double the 11 goals recorded by Hernandez. Messi provides 14 assists, whereas Hernandez provides only 3. These discrepancies define the candidacy. Messi’s 37 total goal involvements dwarf the 14 total involvements of the Columbus striker. Messi’s 23 goals make up a massive portion of Miami’s 73 goals, and Hernandez’s 11 goals are part of the Crew’s 44. Can the Columbus Crew players create enough momentum to change the voting?
