Lionel Messi’s Impact on MLS: Is He a Real Candidate for the 2026 Ballon d’Or?

In 2025, as Lionel Messi approaches the twilight of his legendary career, his impact on Major League Soccer (MLS) is undeniable. Despite being 38 years old and playing in a league often overshadowed by Europe’s top competitions, Messi has continued to defy expectations and reassert his place among the greatest players in the world.

Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami in 2023 was met with great fanfare. His move to the United States was expected to be a “golden retirement,” a chance for Messi to wind down his career while enjoying the lifestyle offered by the MLS. But instead of fading into the background, Messi has transformed the league and reignited his career, continuing to break records and lead his team to new heights.

Messi’s Performance in 2025: Dominating MLS

As the 2025 season progresses, Messi’s influence on the pitch is becoming more pronounced. With 71 direct goal contributions in 2025—more than Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane, and Erling Haaland—Messi’s numbers are staggering. In fact, his total of 71 contributions stands as a testament to his enduring quality, while his closest competitors fall far behind with 64, 62, and 58 contributions, respectively.

Despite playing in a league that some perceive as lacking the competition found in Europe’s top leagues, Messi has demonstrated that greatness transcends geography. In fact, his numbers in MLS are so impressive that it raises the question: could Messi win the 2026 Ballon d’Or while playing in MLS?

The Case for Messi as a Ballon d’Or Candidate

The criteria for the Ballon d’Or include goals and assists, contribution to collective play, titles, and fair play. Messi has excelled in all of these categories, with his influence on Inter Miami being undeniable. His statistics in 2025 are remarkable, with 16 goals and 12 assists since September alone. His contribution to the team is immeasurable, and as Inter Miami nears the Eastern Conference final, Messi’s influence has been pivotal in the team’s success.

But the question remains: can Messi win the Ballon d’Or while playing in MLS? Some critics argue that the competition in MLS doesn’t match the level of Europe’s elite leagues, and that Messi’s achievements in the U.S. aren’t as impressive as they would be in the Champions League. However, this argument overlooks the fact that Messi is still outshining top European players in terms of goals and assists. His performances suggest that he can compete with the best, no matter the league he plays in.

Furthermore, Messi’s impact goes beyond just statistics. He has completely transformed the way football is played in the U.S. Since his arrival in MLS, attendance at games has skyrocketed, jersey sales have soared, and the profile of soccer in America has risen exponentially. Messi has helped elevate the league, and his presence on the pitch has brought new attention to MLS in a way no one could have anticipated.

Messi’s Legacy and the Cultural Impact on MLS

While Messi’s performances on the field have been exceptional, his impact off the field is just as important. When Messi arrived in Miami, the city, and the league, were forever changed. Soccer stadiums are selling out across the country, and the sport’s popularity in the U.S. has reached unprecedented levels.

Messi’s influence is felt not just in the stands but also in the training grounds and on the pitch. His arrival has transformed Inter Miami from a struggling club into a contender for major titles. The presence of a player of Messi’s caliber has also raised the level of play for his teammates, with players like Jordi Alba, Busquets, and even young talents seeing their performances improve under Messi’s leadership.

In terms of his on-field presence, Messi continues to demonstrate the same mastery that made him a legend in Europe. He makes the impossible seem effortless, using his incredible vision, control, and ability to execute under pressure to guide his team to victory. His consistency, which has been a hallmark of his career, is evident in every match he plays.

Yet, Messi’s true power lies not only in his performance but in his ability to inspire those around him. His calm demeanor and competitive spirit have created a ripple effect throughout the league, and it’s clear that Messi is not only building a legacy at Inter Miami but also shaping the future of American soccer.

The Road Ahead: Messi’s Future with Argentina and MLS

As Messi’s career moves towards its inevitable conclusion, the question of his involvement in the 2026 World Cup is front and center. While many have speculated that this will be Messi’s final international tournament, his performances for Argentina, and his ongoing dominance in MLS, suggest that he could very well lead his national team into the 2026 World Cup with a real chance of winning it.

For Messi, the prospect of winning a World Cup on home soil in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada would be the perfect way to cap off an illustrious career. And with Argentina continuing to build on their World Cup success in 2022, the possibility of Messi making a decisive impact in the tournament is very real.

Conclusion: The Unlikely Hero of MLS

As Messi continues to defy expectations, the question of his legacy remains a topic of fierce debate. Is he the greatest player of all time? And can a player in MLS, playing at the age of 38, still be a contender for the Ballon d’Or? The answer is becoming increasingly clear: Messi’s greatness knows no bounds.

While some may argue that the competition in MLS isn’t as fierce as in Europe’s top leagues, Messi’s ability to shine regardless of where he plays speaks to his unparalleled skill and commitment. His contributions to Inter Miami, his impact on American soccer, and his continued excellence on the field place him firmly in the conversation for football’s highest individual honor.

As 2025 comes to a close and Messi moves towards his eventual retirement, one thing is certain: the football world will always remember the time when a player, seemingly past his prime, came to the United States and changed the game forever. Messi’s journey in MLS is not just a final chapter in his illustrious career; it is a transformative moment in the history of the sport.

With his influence extending beyond the game itself, Messi’s legacy in MLS will likely outlive his playing days. And as the debate over his potential 2026 Ballon d’Or win rages on, one thing is clear: Messi is not just a player; he is a phenomenon. And as the sport continues to evolve, the impact he has had on football will endure for generations to come.