Over the course of its history, 
MLS
has seen many talented players emerge from the many soccer academies spread across the country. But never before Cavan Sullivan had such a young player set foot on an MLS pitch.
It has to be said that it is not for everyone to start their professional career at under the age of 15. Union’s young attacking midfielder was given that opportunity.
And although he is still in the early stages of what many observers predict will be a brilliant career, the Philadelphia native has already had the opportunity to share the field with several of the game’s biggest names. As for the man he considers to be the ‘best player in MLS’, he will have to wait and see.
Sullivan Names Lionel Messi as the ‘Best Player in MLS’ Right Now
Less than two years was all it took for the Argentinian to make his mark on the top flight
In a video posted on Goal USA‘s social networks, the young American player had not a second’s hesitation in singling out Lionel Messi as the best player in MLS at the moment. A view shared by many of his peers, who a few months ago voted the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner MVP of the 2024 season. The reward for a sensational year — to put it mildly — for the former Barcelona player.
Decisive in 36 occasions (20 goals, 16 assists) in 19 regular-season games, “La Pulga” made a major contribution to Inter Miami winning the first Supporters’ Shield in their history and to the Herons setting a new record for points won in an MLS season. And all this, remember, at no less than 37 years of age. After all, there is a reason why Messi is widely regarded as the greatest soccer player of all time.
Related
Most Points in an MLS Season: Messi’s Inter Miami Holds Record
Inter Miami became the latest MLS team to chase the all-time league record for points in a single season as the bar continues to be raised higher.
Messi’s Impressive Record at Inter Miami
It was after two mixed seasons with 
Paris Saint-Germain
that, in 2023, Messi settled on the Florida coast. And not surprisingly, he quickly made himself at home. In the 50 games he has played to date, the 2022 world champion has already scored 42 goals — and incidentally, became the top goal scorer in Inter Miami history — and provided 21 assists.
Related
11 Best Passers in Football History (Ranked)
No room for Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldinho or David Beckham in a list topped by a player with more than 400 career assists.
An adaptation that has been successful, to say the least, and which has undoubtedly been facilitated by the presence of Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, his friends and former team-mates from 
FC Barcelona
‘s golden era.
|
Lionel Messi Stats at Inter Miami |
|
|---|---|
|
Appearances |
50 |
|
Goals |
42 |
|
Assists |
21 |
|
Span |
2023-Present |
|
Honours |
x1 Supporters’ Shield, x1 Leagues Cup |
Now approaching his 38th birthday, Messi does not yet seem quite ready to hang up his boots and hopes to continue establishing 
Inter Miami CF
, whom he has already taken to another dimension, as one of the great powers of North American soccer. But what else could you expect from such a player?
All statistics per MLS — correct as of 04-22-2025.
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