Messi Might Be the Best in MLS, But Vela’s Still the Man to Beat

Lionel Messi has been doing exactly what everyone thought he would in MLS. I mean, are we really surprised? Since landing in the U.S., the Argentine wizard has already bagged Player of the Week four times. That alone is pretty nuts, but what makes it even more interesting is the fact that Messi’s gunning for a record set by Carlos Vela, who, in 2019, won that same honor six times in one season. But, hold up—does this mean Messi’s gonna overtake the legendary Mexican in MLS?

Messi arrived in the U.S. in 2023 like some sort of soccer superhero. And, just like any superhero, he swooped in to save the day for Inter Miami—a team that was more lost than a fish out of water before he showed up. It only took a handful of games for Messi to cement himself as the face of the MLS, racking up wins, awards, and all kinds of praise.

Follow MLS Multiplex on X (Twitter).

And now? He’s got four Player of the Week awards this season. Not bad for a guy who just touched down on American soil, right? But here’s the kicker—if we dig a little deeper, Vela still holds the crown in this category. In 2019, Vela was on fire, collecting six of those bad boys and pretty much carrying MLS on his back that year. He was a goal-scoring machine, a nightmare for defenders, and an absolute fan favorite.

Look, Messi’s a legend, no doubt. The fact that he’s already snagged four Player of the Week awards in such a short time shows that he didn’t come here to take it easy. He’s here to leave his mark, and boy, is he doing it. His goals, dribbles, and passes—every single one perfectly calculated—have turned a struggling Inter Miami into a team that’s now fighting for big things.

But when you compare that to the impact Carlos Vela had in 2019, the conversation shifts a little. That year was special. Vela—a guy who’s always had an insane amount of talent—finally hit his peak. He wasn’t just picking up individual awards; he was straight-up carrying Los Angeles FC, breaking records left and right, and mesmerizing fans with his style of play. And let’s not forget, Vela didn’t have the same spotlight Messi does. He didn’t arrive with the weight of being the "best in the world" already stamped on him. He earned every bit of it, sweat and all, proving he was the king of MLS.

Now, can Messi surpass Vela? Honestly, it’s almost inevitable. I mean, come on, we’re talking about Messi here. With just a few more magical performances, Messi could easily break Vela’s record and become the player with the most Player of the Week awards in a single season. And, between you and me, it wouldn’t shock anyone if that happens. After all, it’s Messi.

But let’s not downplay Vela. He’s not just some guy. Vela’s a technical, smart player, and in 2019, he was playing the best soccer of his life. He did something many thought was impossible—he raised the level of MLS to a place it hadn’t been before. More than that, Vela is the kind of player who embodies what MLS is all about. Over the years, he became the face of the league’s growth.

And Messi? Well, he’s like the cherry on top. He’s a one-of-a-kind player who makes magic happen wherever he goes. Messi’s impact on MLS stretches way beyond individual awards. He’s brought the spotlight to the league, making the whole world take notice of soccer in the United States. With Messi in town, MLS is no longer just a secondary league—it’s grabbing headlines in every sports paper across the globe. And that, in itself, is a win for American soccer.

So, if you’re a fan of a player who single-handedly transformed his team and shattered records in his prime season, then Carlos Vela’s your guy. But if what gets your heart racing is watching a genius like Messi continue to dazzle crowds, even in a brand-new league on a brand-new continent, then there’s no debate—Messi’s already ahead.

At the end of the day, what really matters is that MLS is experiencing its golden age. And both Messi and Vela have had (and still have) huge roles in that. Each, in their own way, has elevated the league and brought in a whole new wave of fans.

Will Messi break Vela’s record? Probably. But that doesn’t take away from the incredible season Vela had in 2019. What we can say for sure is that soccer in the U.S. is getting more exciting every day, and with Messi and Vela in the mix, we’re lucky enough to witness this evolution firsthand.