Who else? Yes, there are the goals, assists, and well-deserved Landon Donovan MVP Trophy. Inter Miami winning the Supporters’ Shield and setting the MLS points record doesn’t hurt, either. But Messi’s arrival in MLS has been about so much more than soccer. It’s more than branding, fashion, and the feel-good vibes of his former Barcelona teammates joining him in South Florida. Messi made MLS relevant on a global scale. Walk around any city in the world for long enough, from Venice Florida to Venezia, and you are bound to spot a pink #10 kit. People who didn’t watch are now tuning in. Not since David Beckham joined LA Galaxy in 2007 has a single athlete had such an impact on the landscape of American soccer, from sport growth, brand-awareness and fans-in-the-stands perspectives. And with at least one more year left on his contract, there’s so much more to come. Now, about that elusive MLS Cup.

- Tom Hindle