2022 Panini Prizm MLS

This was Panini's final year producing MLS cards, and Prizm brought the premium feel collectors expect from the brand. The set focuses on the league's biggest stars including Lionel Messi in his first MLS season with Inter Miami, Carlos Vela, and established names like LAFC's contingent. You get 200 base cards covering rosters from all MLS clubs, but the real draw is the parallel universe. Red, Blue, Gold, and Silver versions hit at different rates, with Messi's parallels commanding serious money given his profile and short print windows. Autograph cards appear in both hobby and retail, though hobby packs carry better odds for premium signatures. What makes this set worth chasing depends on your budget. For mid-tier collectors, Red and Blue parallels of league stars offer a solid risk-reward balance without requiring a second mortgage. Gold and Silver versions thin out quickly and spike in price, especially for Messi, Vela, or young prospects trending upward. Prizm's standard autograph base set includes both current players and legends, but the real premium lies in autographed parallel versions. Retail boxes are easier on the wallet but come with wider print runs and lower autograph odds. Hobby packs give you better chances at rare hits, though the per-pack cost stings if you're breaking boxes just for base cards. Buy this if you're an MLS collector or investor sitting on Messi cards from his debut season. The final Panini run adds nostalgia value now, though MLS card prices stay volatile depending on player performance and roster moves. Singles hunting works best here unless you specifically hunt parallels or autos. Ripping boxes makes sense only if you're targeting Messi or going deep on a specific team. Otherwise, pick your hits and move on.