Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has challenged Major League Soccer to relax its rules on spending in pursuit of wider growth across the league.

MLS’ salary cap rules are a staple of the league, but Messi says it limits the ability of the league to attract top talent.

Jimmy Conrad, Tony Meola & Charlie Davies discuss Lionel Messi's decision to sign a new deal with Inter Miami till 2028 to help them open their new stadium. In a recent interview

Despite the amazing performances, Messi managed to lose out on an award to LAFC's Son Heung-Min. The South Korean forward joined LAFC in the summer and is considered one of the best players in the league as well.

Lionel Messi has already won the 2025 MLS Golden Boot presented by Audi and could soon become the first player to be named Landon Donovan MLS MVP in back-to-back seasons.

Messi was named a finalist for the MVP award Thursday along with Los Angeles FC’s Denis Bouanga, San Diego’s Anders Dreyer (San Diego FC), Cincinnati’s Evander and Nashville’s Sam Surridge. The award is expected to be handed out before the MLS Cup final on Dec. 6.

Messi magic in Game One! 💥 What a start for @InterMiamiCF. // Audi MLS Cup Playoffs pic.twitter.com/6ugOORVHGT Miami were able to ride that goal to a halftime lead, which put them 45 minutes closer to defeating Nashville SC in this best-of-three series,