Lionel Messi Loses MLS Award to USMNT Star

Photo by Chris Arjoon/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Lionel Messi Loses MLS Award to USMNT Star

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Pragjyoti Singh | Last updated May 16, 2026 5:22 PM ET

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup now just weeks away, attention around the USMNT continues to grow as the team prepares to play on home soil.

Coach Mauricio Pochettino will announce the squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup live in front of fans on May 26 in New York City’s South Street Seaport.

During this buildup, one USMNT player gave a reminder of what he could offer the national team at the World Cup by scoring a brace in Vancouver Whitecaps’ win over FC Dallas this week.

Mauricio Pochettino looks prior to the UEFA Champions League group B match between Tottenham Hotspur and Bayern Muenchen.Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images

Meanwhile, Lionel Messi also enjoyed another impressive week for Inter Miami, scoring twice in a win over FC Cincinnati.

Despite that performance, the Argentine superstar missed out on the latest MLS Goal of the Matchday honor.

Sebastian Berhalter Set to Shine in the World Cup

Sebastian Berhalter claimed the MLS Goal of the Matchday award for Matchday 13 after his brilliant strike for Vancouver Whitecaps FC earned the most fan votes.

The midfielder curled a first-time effort into the side netting to complete his brace and continue his strong run of form this season.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup less than a month away and the USMNT squad announcement coming soon, the Vancouver Whitecaps FC midfielder has continued to impress for his club.

Meanwhile, Messi scored twice during Inter Miami’s 5-3 victory over Cincinnati earlier this week and continues to lead his team's attack.

The Inter Miami captain had already won MLS Goal of the Matchday honors three times earlier this season, including for Matchday 11.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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