MVP Candidate snub fueling LA Galaxy star

Listed as a potential candidate for the 2024 MLS Most Valuable Player Award, Riqui Puig did not make the short list. Despite being a major factor on his team's success, the 25-year-old Spaniard was not listed as a finalist.

In his third season with the Los Angeles Galaxy, Puig finished with 13 goals and 16 assists. He was one of four members of this year's squad that scored at least ten goals. This feat has never been accomplished before in the league.

1. 2024 MLS Most Valuable Player Finalists

Benteke, Christian - D.C. United

Evander - Portland Timbers

Hernández, Cucho - Columbus Crew

Messi, Lionel - Inter Miami CF

Suárez, Luis - Inter Miami CF

Of the five finalists, only one came from the Western Conference. Top seeded Inter Miami CF featured two nominees and the other two also came from the Eastern Conference. Neither Los Angeles based soccer club had a player make the final list.

If he is unhappy about the snub, Puig may never admit it. However, any frustrations or measures of revenge might have been noticed in the opening round of the playoffs.

Puig scored two goals in Game 2 against the Colorado Rapids on Friday night. The win clinched the series for the LA Galaxy and moved them into the next round.

The pair of scores game minutes apart in stoppage time of the second half. The Galaxy were already up 2-1 prior to Puig's offensive onslaught.

"We are a team. Even if he isn't really being recognized as the MVP and everything -- for us and for him also, it doesn't matter. I think in his mind, the most important thing is to win the league. That is the most important thing. Winning MVP is a plus for a player but winning the league is much more important than everything for a player or the club. "

- Joseph Paintsil, LA Galaxy forward

In fact, the only three games that Puig has scored multiple games have all been against the Rapids. All three times happened this month including Games 1 & 2 of the opening round this postseason.

The Los Angeles Galaxy only lost eight games this year, as oppose to them winning that many a season ago. Puig played in seven of those as he only scored in one of those defeats. His production on offense leads to wins.

As two of the five finalists' seasons are already over with (Evander, Portland Timbers and Christian Benteke, DC United), Puig's is still going on. By sweeping the Colorado Rapids, the Los Angeles Galaxy watch on as they will face the winner between Real Salt Lake and Minnesota United FC.

Puig is surely to be a major factor in the team's journey for a record sixth MLS Cup. That honor means more to him and his teammates than an MVP trophy.