MLS awards finalists: Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez up for MVP; Wilfried Nancy to finally win top coach?

With MLS Cup Playoffs in full swing, the finalists for end-of-season awards have been announced. They were determined from a vote including MLS players, staff, and members of the media with the three groups making up 33.3% of the final vote. Inter Miami are well represented in the finalists with a league-high six players which makes sense after setting a new single-season points record.

In his first full season in the league, Lionel Messi will be going for his first MVP but he'll be up against his teaMMAte Luis Suarez for the honor. The Columbus Crew are right behind the Herons with five finalists while LAFC have three. As awards are announced, this story will be updated accordingly with the winners. 

Landon Donovan MLS MVP finalists

• Christian Benteke (D.C. United)
• Evander (Portland Timbers)
• Cucho Hernández (Columbus Crew)
• Lionel Messi (Inter Miami CF)
• Luis Suárez (Inter Miami CF)

Sigi Schmid MLS Coach of the Year finalists

• Chris Armas (Colorado Rapids)
• Gerardo "Tata" Martino (Inter Miami CF)
• Wilfried Nancy (Columbus Crew)

Impact Award finalists

• Andrew Farrell (New England Revolution)
• Darlington Nagbe (Columbus Crew)
• Ilie Sánchez (LAFC)

MLS Comeback Player of the Year finalists

• Robin Lod (Minnesota United FC)
• Maxi Moralez (New York City FC)
• Lewis Morgan (New York Red Bulls)

MLS Defender of the Year finalists

• Jordi Alba (Inter Miami CF)
• Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew)
• Jackson Ragen (Seattle Sounders FC)

MLS Goalkeeper of the Year finalists

• Kristijan Kahlina (Charlotte FC)
• Hugo Lloris (LAFC)
• Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew)

MLS Newcomer of the Year finalists

• Luca Orellano (FC Cincinnati)
• Gabriel Pec (LA Galaxy)
• Luis Suárez (Inter Miami CF)

MLS Young Player of the Year finalists

• Diego Gómez (Inter Miami CF)
• Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake)
• Cristian Olivera (LAFC)