MVP Power Rankings: Leo Messi on pace for historic three-peat

As we approach the final weeks of the 2026 regular season, the Landon Donovan MLS MVP race is taking full shape.

Every player on this list has either had a great run of form lasting a few months or has been very consistent throughout the entire season. It's not easy to maintain consistency as an attacking player in any league, especially when teams try to game plan around how to stop you.

I could make the case that Philadelphia Union homegrown phenom Cavan Sullivan could be an MVP candidate based on his form since the 2026 FIFA World Cup break. Brian White is quietly having another fantastic season for Vancouver Whitecaps FC, and Anders Dreyer has produced a second straight standout year with San Diego FC. Likewise for Pep Biel, who's been essential for Charlotte FC once again. 

Nico Fernández Mercau is New York City FC's best player, but the Argentine drops out of the top five this month. The same goes for Guilherme in Houston. 

With October right around the corner, let's get to the top five.

Musa has been part of these rankings all season. And for good reason.

The most complete striker in MLS has consistently scored goals while leading a surging FC Dallas side up to second place in the Western Conference.

Musa's 18 goals and five assists are his calling card. However, the Croatian international also contributes with his hold-up play and ability to bring teammates into good positions in the final third.

Evander drops a few spots in this month's rankings due to a slight dip in form. 

Not surprisingly, this has also coincided with a dip in the standings for FC Cincinnati, who now sit below the Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs line. 

A lot of pressure is put on the Brazilian's shoulders (13g/13a) to carry the Orange & Blue's attack. If Evander finishes the season strong, he could move back into the top three of the MVP vote.

Carles Gil, the 2021 MVP, has been one of MLS's most elegant players in recent years.

New England sit second in the East, and a lot of the credit should go to Gil. With 12 goals and nine assists, the Spanish playmaker never stops moving and never stops asking for the ball. When in possession, he creates so many chances for the Revs and raises the level of his young teammates.

What a special player.

Another former MVP has joined the conversation.

Mukhtar (13g/7a) has been consistent all season, without putting up massive numbers as we saw in 2021 and during his 2022 MVP-winning campaign.

Nashville SC are running away with the Supporters' Shield, and I love this version of Mukhtar. He connects well with the midfield, while forming a dangerous attacking trio with fellow Designated Players Sam Surridge and Cristian Espinoza.

Let's be honest: there's two-time reigning MLS MVP Leo Messi, and then there's everyone else in this year's race.

Inter Miami CF's legendary No. 10 has 21g/13a, good for the league lead in goals and assists! There is no better individual player who can change any game at any moment.

Can anyone else have a monster final month of the season and snag the MVP from Messi?