Messi remains MLS's top star as players back major changes

Players across MLS were surveyed ahead of the 2026 season on the league's direction, format and key figures. Lionel Messi was overwhelmingly named the league's best player, receiving 70% of the vote, and many respondents pointed to improved infrastructure and growing youth talent as signs of momentum.

Opinions were more divided elsewhere: Denis Bouanga polled 15%, while Riqui Puig and Son Heung-Min each received 8% as top players. A three-way tie named Wilfried Zaha, Diego Luna and Walker Zimmerman the most overrated (17% each), and Dejan Joveljić was voted the most underrated player with 27%.

Nearly every player agreed the World Cup will boost MLS's popularity (100%), and 92% said they are excited about the move to a fall-spring calendar. Support for changing the league format was narrower (58%), though 67% backed promotion and relegation; multiple respondents also called for higher spending, roster-rule changes and salary-cap reform.

lionel messi, mls, denis bouanga, riqui puig, wilfried zaha, diego luna, walker zimmerman, dejan joveljić, world cup, relegation