MLS award predictions: Can Lionel Messi win MVP with Inter Miami, and Gregg Berhalter’s coach of the year case

The season of Major League Soccer is around the corner, which means it’s time for some prices. Of whom the competition will win if Lionel Messi can go back as MVP, there is no such thing as a new season without predictions to look back on that it can go terribly wrong in this unpredictable competition.

Let’s go there:

MVP: Lionel Messi, Inter Miami

This is a boring choice, I understand. But looking at things, if Lionel Messi was already able to secure an MVP trophy while playing only about half of a season, there is nothing that prevents him from going back-to-back with the price. Inter Miami may need Messi more to do more than last season, given their schedule construction, and although the Argentinian shows signs of delay, there is no one in MLS who can stop him in particular in his profession. Denis Bouanga is perhaps the player with the highest chance of pushing Messi, because there will be no Los Angeles FC attack without him, but it will take a monumental attempt to erase this price from Messi.

Ranking of top candidates for MLS Cup: Lionel Messi and Inter Miami are at the forefront, Seattle Sounders a threat

Chuck Booth

Newcomer of the year: Kevin Denkey, FC Cincinnati

One of the most difficult prices to choose in the competition is a newcomer of the year, because it requires so much to be perfect for someone to succeed, but in Cincinnati that is exactly what Kevin Denkey is in. There is a lot of change with Lucho Acosta that leaves, but becoming Evander means that there will be no creative drop -off and that Denkey has a strong attacker where he can also pass on the ball for assists. In a team that fights for the MLS Cup and with a lot of support, Denkey will run the ground.

Golden Boot: Denis Bouanga, Los Angeles FC

With Mateusz Bogusz now in Mexico with Cruz Azul almost every goal that Lafc scores this season, has to come via Bouanga. He is used to giving the attack back-to-back seasons with 20 league goals, but Lafc may need him to find a different equipment. Oliver Giroud has not been able to reduce the load on him that leads the attack, but if the Frenchman can offer space, Bouanga will fill it to score.

Most disappointing signing: Wilfried Zaha, Charlotte FC

Charlotte has done a lot over the years when building their selection, but the addition of Wilfried Zaha does not feel well. This is not a team that is built to win MLS Cup and Zaha has not scored double digits since the 2021-22 season. He is not young either, so it is not as if Zaha will make this team in three years in three years. Charlotte needs 15 or more target contributions to make this work and it is difficult to see that happening.

MLS Cup Champion: La Galaxy

No Riqui Puig – at least to start the season – and no Dejan Joveljic will not stop the Galaxy to compete at a high level this season. Joseph Paintsil and Gabriel PEC are more than most teams can offer in an attack and that is before they are reached who she will set up. Marco Reus will take his first full season with the club in prime position to lead the competition in Assists. As long as the defense persists, this will be an excellent side and even if it has not shown the Galaxy that they can surpass someone in their own way.

Coach of the Year: Gregg Berhalter

If the fire can stay healthy, they are the most improved team in the competition. Gregg Berhalter may not be one of the most decorated coaches in the competition, but he has been able to make systems that suit his players. With strong attackers and an experienced spine from Kellyn Acosta and Jack Elliott, the fire will put an end to their drought to miss the play -offs. That alone will not be enough for Coach of the Year Honors, but if this team is able to sneak a top four, it will be.