Messi no longer most valuable player in MLS ahead of transfer window

LA Galaxy’s Spanish star equals Messi as the most valuable player in the league.

Lionel Messi remains the most influential and important player in Major League Soccer. Since his arrival, he has consistently demonstrated his ability to make a difference, not only for Inter Miami but for the league as a whole.

This season, however, Riqui Puig has emerged as a standout figure, establishing himself as one of the tournament’s most brilliant players.

How much is Riqui Puig worth?

Puig capped off an exceptional campaign by helping the LA Galaxy secure the MLS Cup, despite being sidelined in the final due to a cruciate ligament injury. His impressive performances and contributions throughout the season were key to the team’s success.

Puig’s achievements earned him significant recognition, including a prominent place in Transfermarkt’s updated list of the most valuable players in the league. Notably, he surpassed Lionel Messi in market value, with Puig climbing to the top of the rankings as Messi’s valuation dropped by $5 million to $20 million.

Messi’s numbers this season have not dropped off, despite his age: 20 goals in the regular season with 10 assists in a total of 19 games. As for Riqui Puig, he has 13 goals and 10 assists in 29 games. The big difference between the two, however, can only be measured in trophies: Messi fell at the first hurdle of the postseason while LA Galaxy went on to win MLS Cup.