Lionel Messi has missed half the MLS season. Should he be MVP?

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Can the Inter Miami talisman win the league's top individual honor despite missing much of the campaign? It depends on your definition of valuable

In a development that will only come as a shock to newborns and extraterrestrials, Lionel Messi's MLS performances have been absolutely stellar this season. He has been a key part of the Inter Miami team at the top of the standings, has produced all manner of goals and assists, and has generally lived up to the hype every time he has stepped on the field.

It's slightly more surprising that if his spectacular run ends with winning MLS's Most Valuable Player award (MVP), it would be unprecedented in North American men's sports and nearly unheard of in the most famous domestic men's leagues in Europe – with one very notable exception.