![[Subscription Customers Only] Jun 14, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi (10) walks onto the pitch prior to a group stage match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Hard Rock Stadium.](https://statico.profootballnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/20111255/lionel-messi-framed-only-exception-02-20-26.jpg "Lionel Messi Framed As Only Exception in 'Best' in MLS Praise for Minnesota United Star")
Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi has undisputedly been the best player in the Major League Soccer (MLS) since arriving in July 2023. He has helped his team win three trophies, including the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards in 2024 and 2025.
And, a pundit has revealed the identity of the second-best player in the MLS after Messi.
USMNT Legend Names New MLS Rival to Lionel Messi
Analyzing new MLS arrivals, United States men’s national team (USMNT) great Tim Howard claimed San Jose Earthquakes star Timo Werner could prove to be a poor signing.
“Timo couldn’t hit a cow’s a** with a banjo. I’ve watched him for two seasons at Tottenham Hotspur literally go through one-on-one with a goalkeeper, it’s hard to watch,” Howard told Landon Donovan on a recent episode of the “Unfiltered Soccer” podcast.
“I’m like, ‘That’s not okay.’ When it becomes comical, you’re sort of infringing on someone’s personal space kind of thing and so even though I just said a disrespectful statement, does that get better in the MLS? I don’t know,” the ex-Manchester United goalkeeper said.
However, the former Everton man highlighted how new Minnesota United midfielder James Rodriguez could be Messi’s main competitor for the MVP award this campaign.
“And then James RodrÃguez. From a couple people I talked to who are sort of at and around Everton and other places, they told me, ‘Look, Tim, if Lionel Messi’s not on the field… James RodrÃguez will be the best player on every field he touches,'” Howard remarked.
Earlier in February, Colombian icon Rodriguez penned a five-month deal at Minnesota United after securing a free transfer. The 34-year-old playmaker was on the lookout for a new club since being released from his contract by Liga MX outfit Club Leon last December.
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Rodriguez, a former Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and AS Monaco man, last played for Leon in November 2025. His brief stint on the Mexican side saw him score five goals and provide nine assists in 2559 minutes across 34 matches in all competitions.
The 2024 Copa America Golden Ball winner, who was allegedly linked with Orlando City and Austin FC, could elevate Minnesota to an MLS Cup contender this year. Should the left-footed star shine for his new club, he could also help Colombia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 2014 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot winner will debut for Minnesota in their away league encounter against Austin at the Q2 Stadium in Austin this Saturday, February 21.
