To talk about people or things in general, use most + the noun. No the, no of.
most + noun, in general
Most people like pizza.
Most students work hard.
Most cafes in Haffenville open early.
Not "Most of people like pizza." — say "Most people like pizza.". People in general → just most, with no of.
Try it: ___ children love candy. (Most / Most of / The most) Answer: Most — This is about children in general, so just Most children. "Most of" needs a set group after it (most of the children), and "the most" is for the top one.
most of + a set group
To talk about a set group you point to, use most of + the / my / these.
Most of the students passed the test.
Most of my friends live nearby.
Most of these books are old.
Not "Most my friends live nearby." — say "Most of my friends live nearby.". Before the / my / these, you need of: most of my friends.
Try it: ___ my friends live nearby. (Most of / Most / The most) Answer: Most of — There is a set group after it (my friends), so you need of: Most of my friends. Without "my / the / these" you would say just "Most friends" for friends in general.
the most, for the top one
You met the most with long words for the number-one in a group. That is its third job: the most + a long word.
She is the most talented player on the team.
That is the most interesting book here.
This is the most expensive coffee in town.
Try it: She is ___ talented player on the team. (the most / most / most of) Answer: the most — This says she is number one, so the most talented. "Most" alone means people in general, and "most of" needs a set group after it, not an adjective.
Try it: ___ tourists visit in summer, but ___ the visitors this week are from Senfarren. (Most … most of / Most of … most / The most … most of) Answer: Most … most of — First, tourists in general → Most tourists. Then a set group (the visitors this week) → most of the visitors. In general takes most; a group you point to takes most of.