Lionel Messi has been awarded the Landon Donovan MVP Award for the 2024 MLS season, a prestigious honor that underscores his remarkable impact on the league in his first full season with Inter Miami. The announcement was made on Friday, where Messi triumphed over notable contenders, including Columbus Crew’s Cucho Hernández and D.C. United’s Christian Benteke.
The 37-year-old star delivered an impressive performance, netting 20 goals in just 19 matches, which places him among the elite players in MLS history. He joins an exclusive group with Carlos Vela and Sebastian Giovinco, being one of only three players to achieve at least 20 goals and 15 assists in a single season.
Messi secured 38.43% of the MVP votes, narrowly beating Benteke, who finished with 33.70%. Despite playing in only 55% of the competitive matches for the season and missing a significant stretch due to an ankle injury, Messi’s contributions were critical. Even without him, Inter Miami excelled, winning eight out of nine games during his absence.
The award recognizes a player’s performance based on a minimum of 1,000 minutes played in the regular season, with Messi averaging an extraordinary 2.18 goal contributions per match, setting a new league record. These achievements not only reflect Messi’s personal prowess but also propelled Inter Miami to lift the Supporters’ Shield, achieving a record 74 points in a single season.
During the announcement, Messi expressed his gratitude, stating it was an honor to receive the award from his sons and the Inter Miami Academy students. He encouraged the young talents to continue pursuing their dreams, emphasizing his commitment to the club and the city.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber highlighted Messi’s immense global appeal, comparing him to pop culture icons and underlining his status as a transformative figure in MLS. However, despite their successful regular season, Inter Miami faced disappointment in the playoffs, losing to Atlanta United in the first round.
Looking ahead, Inter Miami is undergoing changes, with Javier Mascherano stepping in as coach following Gerardo “Tata” Martino’s resignation, adding another chapter to the evolving saga of the team and Messi’s journey in American soccer.
This season not only showcases Messi’s exceptional talent but also inspires hope for the future of soccer in the U.S., promising an exciting trajectory for both the player and the league as they continue to grow.