Son Heung-min Projected to Win MLS MVP Over Lionel Messi: Experts Predict

Los Angeles – Son Heung-min, the South Korean forward for LAFC, is widely predicted by Major League Soccer (MLS) experts to surpass Lionel Messi of Inter Miami and claim the 2026 MLS Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. The consensus emerged from a panel discussion hosted by The Athletic, signaling a potential shift in the league’s power dynamics as the season approaches.

The 2026 MLS season is set to kick off on February 22nd, with a highly anticipated match between LAFC and Inter Miami at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. This fixture marks not only the beginning of the new season but also the first full-season encounter between Son and Messi, two of the world’s most recognizable football stars. Both players are also preparing for the FIFA World Cup later in the year, adding another layer of significance to their performances in MLS.

Four MLS experts participating in The Athletic’s preview unanimously predicted Son’s MVP success. Tom Bogert stated that while the MVP race would be competitive, he believes someone other than Messi will win the award, specifically naming Son as his pick. Felipe Cardenas echoed this sentiment, asserting that Son is the only player in the league capable of matching Messi in both goals scored and overall impact. The other two experts on the panel shared similar views, solidifying the widespread expectation of Son’s individual success.

Beyond the MVP prediction, experts also offered projections for Son’s statistical performance. Henry Bushnell suggested that Son could challenge Messi for the Golden Boot, the award given to the league’s top goalscorer and estimated Son’s combined goals and assists for the season to reach 39. This figure marginally exceeds the projected 38 for Messi, indicating a belief that Son could potentially outperform the Argentine in offensive output.

Bogert further elaborated on Son’s potential, noting his strong performance in the latter part of the 2025 season – nine goals and three assists in ten regular season games – and suggesting that exceeding 22 goals and 10 assists in the upcoming season is a realistic expectation. Cardenas predicted 20 goals and 7 assists, while Paul Tenorio forecasted a total of 36 attacking contributions for the LAFC forward.

However, the experts’ optimism surrounding Son’s individual performance did not necessarily translate into a prediction of LAFC winning the MLS Cup. Only one expert selected LAFC as a contender for the championship, with the majority favoring Inter Miami to repeat their title-winning success. Similarly, Inter Miami was the overwhelming favorite to win the CONCACAF Champions Cup, the premier club competition in North America, Caribbean, and Central America.

The arrival of Son Heung-min in MLS last summer has been hailed as a significant moment for the league, attracting global attention and raising the overall profile of North American soccer. His immediate impact on LAFC, coupled with Messi’s continued presence at Inter Miami, has created a compelling narrative for the 2026 season. The upcoming campaign is expected to be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, as both players navigate the demands of MLS while simultaneously preparing for the World Cup.

The experts’ predictions highlight the growing competitiveness of MLS and the increasing influx of international talent. While Messi’s arrival undoubtedly elevated the league’s status, Son’s potential to challenge and potentially surpass the Argentine star suggests that MLS is becoming a destination for established players seeking new challenges and opportunities. The 2026 season promises to be a captivating chapter in the league’s ongoing evolution, with the MVP race between Son and Messi serving as a central storyline.

The focus on both players also underscores the strategic importance of MLS as a platform for World Cup preparation. Both LAFC and Inter Miami are leveraging league play to fine-tune their players’ form and tactical approaches ahead of the summer tournament. This dual focus adds another layer of intrigue to the season, as teams balance their domestic ambitions with their international aspirations.