Lionel Messi has been awarded the Landon Donovan MVP Award for the 2024 MLS season, marking a remarkable achievement in his inaugural full year with Inter Miami. The highly celebrated soccer star outperformed notable competitors, including Cucho Hernández from the Columbus Crew, Portland Timbers’ Evander, D.C. United’s Christian Benteke, and his own teammate Luis Suárez.
Messi’s impressive statistics, featuring 20 goals in 19 matches, have placed him in elite company. He joins Carlos Vela and Sebastian Giovinco as one of the few players in MLS history to record over 20 goals and 15 assists in a single season. His winning percentage in the MVP voting stood at 38.43%, narrowly ahead of Benteke’s 33.70%.
Despite only participating in 55% of the regular season matches due to an ankle injury sustained while playing for Argentina in the Copa América final, Messi’s influence on the game remained significant. Inter Miami excelled in his absence, achieving eight victories out of nine matches. The MVP award is based on players meeting a minimum requirement of 1,000 minutes played, and Messi’s performance averaged over one goal every 90 minutes – the best in the league.
In a special ceremony attended by his sons and academy students from Inter Miami, Messi expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating, “It’s a source of pride to watch you all train. I invite you to keep fighting and striving for your dreams.” This reflects his commendable commitment not only to his own career but also to fostering young talent within the sport.
Messi’s accolade adds to an already illustrious list of honors, including eight Ballon d’Or awards and multiple FIFA player of the year titles. His presence in the MLS is likened to having a global star, with MLS Commissioner Don Garber equating Messi’s appeal to that of Michael Jackson and Taylor Swift.
The season also saw Inter Miami securing the Supporters’ Shield with a record of 74 points, although they faced an early exit in the playoffs against Atlanta United. Following the season, head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino resigned, with Javier Mascherano stepping in as his successor.
As the MLS Cup final approaches, featuring LA Galaxy and New York Red Bulls, Messi’s successful season serves as a beacon of hope for both the team and its fans, showcasing the potential for future successes as they continue to build on this solid foundation.
Overall, this MVP award for Messi is not just an individual achievement; it is a celebration of the growing stature of the MLS and the exciting journey ahead for Inter Miami.