Lionel Messi was named MLS MVP in his first full season with Inter Miami after joining in 2023
The collection of Lionel Messi’s trophies keeps growing. Following his first full season with Inter Miami, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was voted the 2024 Landon Donovan MLS MVP.
Messi had the most goal contributions in MLS with 20 goals and 16 assists in 19 games, while missing 15 because of injuries and international service. He joined Sebastian Giovinco (2015) and Carlos Vela (2019) as the only other players in league history to record at least 20 goals and 15 assists in a single season. Messi’s victory is also the first time an Inter Miami player has taken home the honour.
In addition, Messi and Argentina won the Copa America this summer for the second time. If not for the wound.
He might have contributed 40 goals, but he suffered in the international final. Something he may strive for as Miami attempts to win its first MLS Cup the following season.
For the first time in his career, Lionel Messi receives a prestigious award.
Miami broke the MLS points record and won the first-ever Supporters’ Shield title in Miami’s history while Messi was playing. The squad also lost just once throughout the regular season.
After Luciano Acosta of FC Cincinnati, Messi is the second Argentine to win the MVP title in a row and the sixth overall. He completes the Argentine contingent to win MVP, joining Christian Gomez, Diego Valeri, and Guillermo Barros Schelotto.
Miami’s season and Messi’s could have ended differently or many believed it would following their playoff elimination at the hands of Atlanta United. The team plans to play again the next season, and Javier Mascherano, a former Barcelona player, will take over as head coach.