Lionel Messi has been honored with the prestigious Landon Donovan MVP Award for the 2024 Major League Soccer (MLS) season, solidifying his impressive impact in his debut full season with Inter Miami. This recognition was announced on Friday, with Messi triumphing over notable competitors including Cucho Hernández from Columbus Crew and D.C. United’s Christian Benteke.
At 37 years old, Messi made a remarkable contribution in just 19 matches, scoring 20 goals—a feat that places him among the exclusive ranks of players like Carlos Vela and Sebastian Giovinco, both of whom have recorded at least 20 goals and 15 assists in a single season. Messi’s polling result showed he garnered 38.43% of the vote, surpassing Benteke, who finished with 33.70%.
During the ceremony, attended by students from the Inter Miami Academy and his sons, Messi expressed pride in receiving the award. He emphasized his enthusiasm for being part of the club’s growth and encouraged the youth players to pursue their dreams diligently.
Despite missing a significant portion of the season due to an ankle injury—62 days during which Inter Miami managed to win eight out of nine games—Messi’s influence was undeniable. He achieved an impressive average of over one goal every 90 minutes and made a record 2.18 goal contributions per match.
Messi’s latest accolade adds to his extensive list of honors, which includes eight Ballon d’Or awards, multiple FIFA player of the year recognitions, and numerous other accolades. MLS Commissioner Don Garber eloquently described Messi’s status in the sport, comparing his global appeal to that of legends like Michael Jackson and Taylor Swift.
Despite Inter Miami’s strong performance in the regular season, where they secured the Supporters’ Shield and set a record with 74 points, their playoff campaign ended abruptly in the first round against Atlanta United. Following the season, head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino stepped down, and Javier Mascherano, a trusted friend and former teammate of Messi’s, has taken over the coaching duties.
As the MLS Cup final approaches, fans look forward to more exciting moments, with the LA Galaxy hosting the New York Red Bulls.
In summary, Messi’s MVP season is a testament to his extraordinary talent and ability to impact the game significantly, setting a positive tone for Inter Miami and the league as a whole as they continue to grow. His presence not only elevates the team’s performance but also inspires younger generations to aim high in their sporting endeavors.