Lionel Messi has been honored with the prestigious Landon Donovan MVP Award for the 2024 MLS season, making headlines after his remarkable performance with Inter Miami. The announcement came on Friday, where Messi outshone notable competitors, including Cucho Hernández from the Columbus Crew and his Inter Miami teammate Luis Suárez, to clinch the top spot.
At 37 years old, Messi’s statistics are nothing short of impressive. He scored 20 goals and recorded numerous assists in only 19 matches, solidifying his place in league history alongside players like Carlos Vela and Sebastian Giovinco, who are also part of the exclusive club of those who achieved over 20 goals and 15 assists in a single season.
The voting process for the MVP award involved players, club staff, and selected media representatives, with Messi securing 38.43% of the vote, comfortably surpassing second-place finisher Christian Benteke, who garnered 33.70%. Despite missing a significant portion of the regular season due to an ankle injury sustained during the Copa América final, Messi’s impact remained undeniable, leading his team to create a formidable performance without him.
During his time off, Inter Miami showcased remarkable resilience, winning eight of the nine games played. Even with limited playing time, Messi registered over one goal every 90 minutes, becoming a league record holder with 2.18 goal contributions per match during his 1,485 minutes on the field.
The ceremony for the MVP award was a touching moment, as Messi received the accolade from his sons and the Inter Miami youth academy. In his acceptance speech, he expressed pride in being part of the club and inspired the young players to pursue their dreams diligently.
Adding to Messi’s accolade list, the MVP award marks another achievement in a career filled with honors, including eight Ballon d’Or trophies and numerous league MVP titles. MLS Commissioner Don Garber highlighted Messi’s extraordinary presence in football, likening his appeal to that of global superstars and stating how fortunate the league is to have him.
While Inter Miami performed admirably during the regular season, securing the Supporters’ Shield and setting a new single-season points record, their playoff journey was cut short with a first-round exit against Atlanta United. The coaching staff also saw a change as Gerardo “Tata” Martino resigned, with Javier Mascherano stepping in as the new coach.
As the MLS Cup final approaches, it remains a significant moment in American soccer, where teams like LA Galaxy and New York Red Bulls vie for supremacy. Messi’s MVP award not only cements his legacy but also invigorates interest in the league, showcasing the potential for continued growth and excitement in Major League Soccer.
Overall, Messi’s stellar season serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of resilience and excellence in sports. For fans and aspiring players alike, it emphasizes that hard work, when matched with talent, can lead to remarkable achievements.