Lionel Messi Loses MLS Award To Timo Werner
Inter Miami enjoyed a successful April, remaining undefeated with three wins and two draws. This consistent form moved the team into second place in the MLS Eastern Conference.
A key factor in this success was Lionel Messi , who contributed three goals and remained central to the team's performance.
After winning the Golden Boot last season with 29 goals, he is once again expected to be a top contender for the award this year.
However, despite his individual impact, the Argentinian missed out on a league award this month.
The honor instead went to San Jose Earthquakes forward Timo Werner who has quickly established himself as one of the league's top strikers since arriving from the Bundesliga earlier this year.
Timo Werner Wins MLS Award
Despite Messi’s heavy involvement in Inter Miami's climb up the table, Timo Werner managed to edge out the Argentine for the MLS Player of the Month award.
Werner earned the honor after a breakthrough month where he recorded four goals and three assists in just three matches.
Timo Werner led the San Jose Earthquakes to a historic start as the team won all five of their league games during the month.
Driven by Werner's form, the Earthquakes became the first team since 2000 to win nine of their first 10 games in a season.
Werner also became the first San Jose player to be named MLS Player of the Month since Cristian Espinoza in April 2023.
Beyond the German forward, Petar Musa of FC Dallas and Sam Surridge of Nashville SC also had productive months, with both players scoring nine goals each.
In the assists leaderboard, Werner’s teammate Niko Tsakiris impressed with six assists. Son Heung-min also featured on the chart, recording six assists as well.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on May 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the Soccer section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
