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Cesar Hernandez

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Lizzy Becherano

Nov 6, 2026, 08:20 AM ET

The 2026 MLS regular season comes to a close Saturday. So much has happened in the 259 days since the campaign began -- there was a whole FIFA World Cup in the middle of the year, remember that? -- and that unpredictability has delivered some unexpected candidates for the league's year-end awards.

Back in February, who among us thought that then-16-year-old Cavan Sullivan would play at an MVP level? Who knew that Antoine Griezmann would hit the ground running upon his long-awaited arrival in North America? Who knew that former United States interim manager B.J. Callaghan would lead Nashville SC to the Supporters' Shield?

Although, there is always one constant you can count on: Lionel Messi playing at a level that no one has ever seen before in MLS.

So, on the eve of the season's final matchday, ESPN asked its writers: Who are you picking for this year's awards?…