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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
Sport
Alexander Abnos, Jeff Rueter, Pablo Iglesias Maurer and Graham Ruthven

MLS 2026 predictions: Messi v Son, a Timo Werner rebirth and are Inter Miami inevitable?

Composite image of Miami's Lionel Messi, Nashville's Sam Surridge and LAFC's Son Heung-min.
Miami’s Lionel Messi, Nashville’s Sam Surridge and LAFC’s Son Heung-min are among the top players to watch this MLS season. Composite: Guardian Pictures (via Getty)

The 2026 MLS season will be remembered for …

Messi v Son. The two best players in the league play for the two “glamour” teams on opposite coasts, and each have large and dedicated fanbases. If both stay relatively healthy and perform up to capabilities, there’s no way the race between them for some honor (Golden Boot? MVP? Both?) won’t be fascinating to see unfold. AA

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