Lionel Messi's league-leading 23 goals and 13 assists in 25 MLS matches for Inter Miami, including a recent brace after his Argentina retirement, anchor the overwhelming trader consensus at 92.7% implied probability for the 2026 Landon Donovan MLS MVP. His consistent goal contributions, set-piece threat, and ability to elevate Inter Miami's attack in a tight Eastern Conference playoff race have widened the gap over challengers like Petar Musa and Evander. A late-season injury to the 39-year-old or an unprecedented statistical surge from multiple rivals in the final regular-season matches could shift the outcome, though such developments remain low-probability given current form and historical voting patterns favoring dominant individual performers.