Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez are among the five nominees for the Landon Donovan MLS Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, as announced by the league on Thursday. Four of the five finalists are Latin American players: in addition to the Argentine and the Uruguayan, both from Inter Miami, the list includes Colombian Juan Camilo 'Cucho' Hernández (Columbus Crew) and Brazilian Evander (Portland Timbers). Belgian Christian Benteke (D.C. United) completes the list of candidates, succeeding last year’s winner, Argentine Luciano Acosta (Cincinnati).  

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Messi is the main favorite to win the award after a stellar season in which he recorded 20 goals and 16 assists in just 19 matches. Suárez, for his part, scored 20 goals and provided 9 assists in 27 games, earning a nomination for the signing of the year. Both players were instrumental in helping Inter Miami secure the Supporters' Shield, awarded to the best regular-season team, and break the league's all-time points record.  

Inter Miami is the most represented team in this season's award nominations, with a total of six finalists. Head coach Gerardo 'Tata' Martino is a contender for the Sigi Schmid Coach of the Year award, alongside Chris Armas (Colorado Rapids) and Wilfried Nancy (Columbus Crew).  

In other categories, Argentine Luca Orellano (Cincinnati) and Brazilian Gabriel Pec (LA Galaxy) join Suárez as finalists for the signing of the year. Meanwhile, Spaniard Jordi Alba (Inter Miami) is in the running for Defender of the Year, competing with Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew) and Jackson Ragen (Seattle Sounders).  

Lastly, the Goalkeeper of the Year award will be contested by Kristijan Kahlina (Charlotte FC), Hugo Lloris (Los Angeles FC), and Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew). Paraguayan Diego Gómez (Inter Miami) and Uruguayan Cristian Olivera (Los Angeles FC) are in the race for Young Player of the Year. Other finalists include Maxi Moralez (New York City FC), Robin Lod (Minnesota United), and Lewis Morgan (New York Red Bulls) for the Comeback Player of the Year award.