Lionel Messi has been awarded the Landon Donovan MVP Award for the 2024 MLS season, solidifying his impactful debut year with Inter Miami. The renowned player garnered this prestigious recognition by scoring 20 goals in just 19 matches, marking an impressive achievement in his first full season after joining the club in July 2023.
Messi triumphed in the MVP voting with 38.43% of the total votes, surpassing notable contenders including Cucho Hernández, Evander, Christian Benteke, and his own teammate Luis Suárez. This accolade places him alongside MLS legends Carlos Vela and Sebastian Giovinco as the only players in league history to amass over 20 goals and 15 assists in a single season.
Despite missing a significant portion of the season due to an ankle injury that sidelined him for 62 days, Messi’s performances were instrumental in Inter Miami’s successes. The team flourished during his absence, winning eight of nine matches, showcasing the depth and resilience of the squad.
During his MVP acceptance speech, Messi expressed his gratitude, sharing a heartfelt message with Inter Miami Academy players: “It’s a source of pride to watch you all train. I’m very happy to be here every day. I’m very happy to be in this city, in this Club that is growing.” The award was presented to him by his sons, adding a personal touch to the recognition.
Notably, Messi averaged over one goal per 90 minutes on the field, leading the league in goal contributions with a record average of 2.18 per match. His remarkable performance helped Inter Miami secure the Supporters’ Shield and set a franchise record with 74 points, yet the team faced disappointment in the playoffs, losing in the first round to Atlanta United.
As Inter Miami looks to the future, the resignation of coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino and the appointment of Javier Mascherano, a former teammate of Messi, signals a new direction for the club.
The MVP award adds another accolade to Messi’s illustrious career, which includes eight Ballon d’Or trophies, multiple FIFA player of the year honors, and numerous league MVP titles. As the soccer community reflects on Messi’s first season in Major League Soccer, there’s a collective sense of excitement and optimism for what lies ahead both for him and the rapidly growing league.
This season has been memorable not just for the individual accolades but also for the inspiration Messi provides to young players in Miami—encouraging them to follow their dreams while contributing to the rising status of soccer in the United States.