Lionel Messi has been honored with the Landon Donovan MVP Award for the 2024 Major League Soccer (MLS) season, prevailing over notable competitors such as Cucho Hernández from the Columbus Crew and his Inter Miami teammate Luis Suárez. Messi’s performance this season has been nothing short of extraordinary, with 20 goals scored in just 19 appearances.
This achievement places Messi alongside MLS greats Carlos Vela and Sebastian Giovinco as the only players in league history to reach at least 20 goals and 15 assists in a single season. The election of the MVP is determined by a combination of votes from players, club staff, and selected media members, with Messi receiving 38.43% of votes, compared to second-place finisher Christian Benteke, who garnered 33.70%.
Having joined Inter Miami in July 2023, this season marked Messi’s first full term with the club. His accolade was announced by MLS commissioner Don Garber during a video event featuring Inter Miami Academy students and his three sons.
Messi expressed his gratitude for the award, remarking on the pride he feels watching young talents develop in the academy and encouraging them to pursue their aspirations. Remarkably, Messi managed to win the MVP title while only participating in 55% of the regular season’s games, due to an ankle injury that sidelined him for roughly two months. Despite his absence, Inter Miami continued to perform strongly, winning eight out of nine matches without their star player.
Statistically, Messi averaged over one goal every 90 minutes and made an unprecedented average of 2.18 goal contributions per match during his time on the pitch. His compelling performance was pivotal in helping Inter Miami clinch the Supporters’ Shield and set a new single-season points record with 74 points. However, their postseason run ended in disappointment as they lost to Atlanta United in the first playoff round.
In a recent development, Gerardo “Tata” Martino announced his resignation as head coach, and Javier Mascherano has been appointed as his successor. Looking ahead, the MLS Cup final is set to take place this Saturday, where the LA Galaxy will face the New York Red Bulls.
This season has illustrated Messi’s significant influence and talent in the league, bringing excitement and high expectations to fans of MLS. As he continues to contribute to the growth of soccer in the United States, fans can remain optimistic about the future impact he will have both on and off the field.
In summary, Messi’s remarkable stats and accolades this season have reaffirmed his status as a global soccer icon, and his ongoing contributions to Inter Miami reflect a bright future for the club and the league as a whole.