Seventeen-year-old American talent challenges Messi for best MLS player award

Young American talent Cavan Sullivan, a player for Philadelphia, has made a strong impression in the football scene during the 2026 season, entering the race for the MLS MVP award alongside Argentine star Lionel Messi, despite being only 17 years old.

Cavan Sullivan, who is considered one of the rising talents in American soccer, has scored 7 goals and provided 7 assists during 28 matches he played with Philadelphia Union, including 20 matches as a starter. He has received praise from the team's interim coach Ryan Richter, who confirmed his confidence in Sullivan's abilities and gave him a real opportunity to prove himself.

Richter said: "Our first conversation with him revolved around giving him the opportunity now, a real opportunity, not just bringing him on and waiting to see what happens." He added: "I told him that I believe he is a fantastic player and capable of delivering great performances in this league, and now he has a real opportunity with coaches who fully believe in him, and he needs to take advantage of it."

Cavan Sullivan made his first appearance in the American league at the age of 14, before having his real breakthrough in the 2026 season. He also entered the history of the United States national team after scoring his first international goal during his appearance with the team under the management of Maurício Pochettino.

The player said after achieving this milestone: "These are the moments you dream of when you are three, four, five, or six years old." He added: "I have imagined this moment my whole life, not just during the last few hours when I learned that I would start the match."

As Cavan Sullivan continues to develop, he is approaching a move to Manchester City in January 2028, after turning 18, according to arrangements related to his future. However, the English club's legal situation, amid the ongoing financial rules violations case in the Premier League and potential sanctions still pending, may prompt the player to reassess his next step.

The former English goalkeeper Brad Friedel has pointed out that Cavan Sullivan's transfer to Manchester City could be followed by a loan move to gain experience, considering that other clubs from the Premier League, alongside FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, may enter the race to sign him.

Despite the difficulty of Messi competing for the Best Player award this season, with the Argentine scoring 26 goals, Sullivan is showing promising signs that confirm his ability to become one of the standout stars of American football in the coming years.