Inter Miami Star Lionel Messi Has Been Named MLS MVP, Sets A Goal Record

JAKARTA - Lionel Messi was named the winner of the MVPhir Donovan award for the 2024 MLS (Major League Soccer) season on Friday, December 6, 2024, local time.

He beat Cucho Hernandez of Columbus Crew, Evander of Portland Timbers, Christian Benteke of DC United, and his Inter Miami teammate Luis Suarez.

The 37-year-old won thanks to 20 goals and 16 assists in just 19 matches.

He joined Carlos Vela in 2019 (LAFC, 34 goals, 15 assists) and Sebastian Giovinco in 2015 (Toronto FC, 22 goals, 16 assists) as the only player in league history with at least 20 goals and 15 assists in one season.

The MVP award is determined by polls involving players, club technical staff, and selected media members.

Messi received an average of 38.43 percent of the vote compared to Benteke who was in second place (33.70 percent).

This is his first full season with the club, having joined in July 2023.

MLS Commissioner Don Garber made the announcement on Friday with Inter Miami Academy students and Messi's three sons in a video.

"Really, it is an honor for me to receive this award from all of you."

"Witing all of you practicing is a matter of pride. I am very happy to be here every day."

"I am very happy to be in this city, at this growing club. It is a pleasure to see you grow day by day."

"I invite you to continue to fight and fight for your dreams," Messi told Inter Miami Academy players.

The Inter Miami captain won the award despite only playing in 55 percent of competitive matches from 34 regular-season games.

He was absent for 62 days between June 1 and September 14, 2024 due to an ankle injury he suffered when Argentina won over Colombia in the 2024 Copa America final.

During that time, The Herons (inter Miami's nickname) played well, winning eight of the nine games without him.

The award takes into account the contribution and impact of players on the pitch with a minimum of 1,000 minutes playing in the regular season, which is a league requirement for MVP nominations.

According to FotMob, Messi scored an average of more than one goal every 90 minutes, making him the top in the league.

In 1,485 minutes, Messi scored an average of 2.18 goal-by-match contributions, which is a league record.

The MLS MVP Trophy is another award in Messi's long list of career awards.

He is an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, eight-time FIFA Best Player-winning, seven-time MVP La Liga winner, UEFA Player of the Year, Champions League Player of the Year, World Cup Goldball winner, Club World Cup Goldball winner, and many more.

"Unless you live in the world of global football, it's hard to imagine the overall appeal and popularity and great fame that Leo Messi has."

"I mean, he was Michael Jackson who met Taylor Swift. He played in our league," said Garber.

Statistics and their influence on the pitch helped Inter Miami win Supporters' Shield and set a record one-season point this season with 74 points.

Despite its strong regular season, Inter Miami lost to Atlanta United in the first half of the MLS Cup playoffs, ending their 2024 season in a disappointing way.

In November 2024, Gerardo "Tata" Martino, who took on the role of coach in June 2023, resigned for personal reasons.

Inter Miami then appointed Javier Mascherano - former Barcelona and Argentine Messi - to replace Martino.

Meanwhile, Inter Miami gave Messi a special gift for the MLS MVP title. The academy players formed MVP writing in the middle of the pitch at Chase Stadium.