Messi wins MLS most valuable player award

By DTD- On Dec 7, 2024

In yet another milestone in his legendary career, Lionel Messi has been crowned the 2024 Landon Donovan MLS Most Valuable Player (MVP). The announcement, made on Friday, comes after a stellar debut MLS season in which Messi captained Inter Miami to their first-ever Supporters’ Shield as the league’s top regular-season team.

A Record-Breaking Debut Season

Messi, who joined Inter Miami in July 2023, delivered an electrifying campaign in his first full season in Major League Soccer. The Argentine maestro registered 20 goals and 16 assists in just 19 matches, leading his team to a record-breaking 74-point regular season. However, despite their remarkable form, Miami faced a disappointing first-round playoff exit.

Reflecting on the award, Messi expressed bittersweet emotions during the MVP ceremony:
“I would have liked to receive this award in another situation, being able to play the final on Saturday,” Messi said. “We had a big dream of being MLS champions this year. It didn’t happen, but next year we’ll come back stronger to try again.”

Making History with Inter Miami

At 37, Messi becomes the first player in Inter Miami’s history to earn the league’s highest individual honor. The award, renamed in 2015 after MLS legend Landon Donovan, adds another accolade to Messi’s already glittering career, which includes a World Cup title and a record eight Ballon d’Or trophies.

Messi’s extraordinary season places him in elite company. He joins Mexico’s Carlos Vela (2019) and Italy’s Sebastian Giovinco (2015) as the only players in MLS history to record at least 20 goals and 15 assists in a single season.

Competition for the Award

Lionel Messi edged out strong competition to claim the MVP honor, beating Columbus Crew forward Cucho Hernandez, Portland Timbers midfielder Evander, D.C. United’s Christian Benteke, and Inter Miami teammate Luis Suarez.

Though this season ended in playoff heartbreak, Messi’s dominance has set the stage for even greater expectations in 2025. With Messi leading the charge, Inter Miami will aim to translate their regular-season brilliance into playoff success and take another shot at the MLS Cup next year while also making a name in the Club World Cup.