Lionel Messi has been recognized as the 2024 MLS season’s Most Valuable Player, taking home the prestigious Landon Donovan MVP Award. Announced on Friday, Messi outshined competitors including Cucho Hernández from Columbus Crew, Evander from the Portland Timbers, Christian Benteke of D.C. United, and his Inter Miami teammate Luis Suárez.
At 37 years old, Messi’s remarkable season included scoring 20 goals in just 19 appearances. This achievement places him among the elite players in MLS history with Carlos Vela and Sebastian Giovinco, both of whom also reached at least 20 goals and 15 assists in a single season.
The MVP voting, which incorporates input from players, technical staff, and selected media members, saw Messi secure a solid 38.43% of the votes, edging out Benteke, who received 33.70%. This season marked Messi’s first full year with Inter Miami after joining the club in July 2023.
MLS commissioner Don Garber presented the award in a heartfelt video featuring Messi’s three sons and youth players from the Inter Miami Academy. In his acceptance speech, Messi expressed his gratitude, saying, “Truly, it is an honor for me to receive this award from all of you. It’s a source of pride to watch you all train. I’m very happy to be here every day… I invite you to keep fighting and striving for your dreams.”
Remarkably, although Messi played only 55% of the total competitive matches, he significantly impacted the team. He missed 62 days due to an ankle injury sustained during the Copa América final, yet Inter Miami thrived without him, winning eight out of their nine matches during his absence. Messi’s contributions averaged over one goal every 90 minutes, leading the league, and his overall performance helped Inter Miami clinch the Supporters’ Shield and set a franchise-record of 74 points for the season.
While it was a season filled with achievements, the year ended on a less favorable note for Inter Miami, as they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by Atlanta United. Following this, head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino resigned, making way for Javier Mascherano, a former teammate of Messi, to step in as the new head coach.
As the MLS Cup final approaches, the excitement continues in the league. The LA Galaxy takes on the New York Red Bulls in a highly anticipated match, with the Galaxy aiming for a record sixth Cup win while the Red Bulls seek their inaugural title.
In summary, Lionel Messi’s MVP season in the MLS is a testament to his extraordinary skill and influence on the field, proving that age is just a number when it comes to sporting excellence. His journey with Inter Miami offers hope and inspiration to aspiring players, showcasing that hard work and determination can lead to remarkable achievements. The future remains bright for both Messi and Inter Miami as they continue to grow in the league.