Using a voltage regulator to power MSP430 microcontrollers
I've had great success with Microchip's MCP1700 line of regulators. Very wide range of output voltages, only 2 capacitors are basically needed. SOT23 package (and even TO-92) is easy to use. Max current is 200 to 250mA which is plenty for MSP430 plus circuitry. And, it's inexpensive. Still, it has short circuit and thermal protection.

Do not use voltage dividers. You'll waste too much power.

MCP1700 Datasheet
http://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/en/DeviceDoc/21826b.pdf