Lionel Messi Named MLS MVP for 2024 Season

Lionel Messi, the renowned Argentine superstar, has been honored with the Landon Donovan Most Valuable Player Award for the 2024 Major League Soccer (MLS) season. This title reflects not only his exceptional performance but also his significant impact on his team, Inter Miami.

Season Highlights

During his inaugural full season with Inter Miami, Messi made headlines by achieving remarkable statistics - scoring 20 goals and providing 16 assists in just 19 matches. His impressive tally of 36 goal contributions illustrates his offensive prowess, even amidst challenges posed by injuries. Despite being sidelined for 62 days due to an ankle injury sustained during Argentina's triumph in the Copa America, Messi managed to dominate the league with over 2.18 goal contributions per 90 minutes, a record that solidifies his status as the top player in MLS this season.

Competing against notable talents such as Cucho Hernández from the Columbus Crew and Christian Benteke from D.C. United, Messi garnered 38.43% of the votes in the MVP poll. This was a close contest, with Benteke close behind at 33.7%. The award is decided through voting by players, technical staff, and selected media members.

Messi's Journey with Inter Miami

Joining Inter Miami in July 2023, Messi quickly transformed the team's performance, helping them achieve a stunning 74-point record in the regular season, thus earning the coveted Supporters’ Shield. This achievement not only showcases Messi's individual brilliance but also highlights his collaborative spirit on the field, as he worked alongside teammates like Luis Suárez, who also contributed significantly with 20 goals. Together, they made history as the first pair of teammates in MLS to both score 20 or more goals in a single season.

Messi's skills were instrumental in propelling Inter Miami to the No. 1 seed in the playoffs, although they faced disappointment by being eliminated in the first round against Atlanta United.

Awards and Recognition

Not only is this his first MVP title in MLS, but it also adds to an already stellar resume that includes an astounding eight Ballon d'Or awards, multiple FIFA Player of the Year honors, and various league MVP titles from La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.

In an emotional speech during the award presentation at Chase Stadium, Messi expressed gratitude to the players of the Inter Miami Academy, stating, "It’s a source of pride to watch you all train and strive for your dreams."

Global Impact and Future Outlook

Beyond individual accolades, Messi's presence in MLS has dramatically increased attendance, with over 12.1 million fans flocking to matches this season, trailing only the English Premier League. His influence extends into merchandising, as evidenced by his leading position in jersey sales globally, surpassing all other players in the league.

As MLS commissioner Don Garber aptly noted, Messi's status resonates worldwide, likening him to a global superstar: “He is Michael Jackson meeting Taylor Swift – and he's playing in our league.”

Looking towards the future, Messi remains hopeful and determined to help Inter Miami pursue the MLS Cup in the coming years, reinforcing the club's ambition after their exit from the playoffs this season.

With Messi at the helm, Inter Miami's prospects remain bright, as fans and players alike eagerly anticipate what the next season holds!

Conclusion

Lionel Messi’s achievement as MLS MVP not only celebrates his individual brilliance but also marks a significant chapter in Inter Miami's history. His contributions on and off the field will continue to influence the team's dynamics and the league’s growth profoundly in the years to come.