Neymar’s MLS Move: A New Chapter in American Soccer? 
Lionel Messi has been named Major League Soccer’s Most Valuable Player for the 2024 season, marking a significant achievement in his illustrious career. Despite missing a substantial portion of the season due to injuries and international commitments, Messi’s impact on the field was undeniable, leading Inter Miami to a record-setting performance.
Key Takeaways
- Lionel Messi won the MLS MVP award for the 2024 season.
- He scored 20 goals and provided 16 assists in just 19 matches.
- Messi’s contributions helped Inter Miami secure the Supporters Shield.
- The award was announced during a surprise event with Inter Miami academy players.
- Messi’s performance continues to solidify his legacy as one of the greatest players in soccer history.
Messi’s Remarkable Season
In his first full season with Inter Miami, Messi showcased his extraordinary talent, scoring 20 goals and assisting on 16 others in only 19 appearances. His ability to contribute to a league-high 36 goals demonstrates his efficiency, averaging an impressive 2.18 goal contributions per 90 minutes.
Despite missing 15 of the 34 regular-season matches, Messi’s influence was felt throughout the league. He played a crucial role in leading Inter Miami to the Supporters Shield, awarded to the team with the best regular-season record, and set a new MLS record with 74 points.
The MVP Announcement
The announcement of Messi’s MVP award came as a surprise during an event at Inter Miami’s training facility. Over 250 academy players formed a formation that spelled out "MVP" as Messi arrived to receive the trophy. In his acceptance speech, Messi expressed gratitude, stating, "Truly, it is an honor for me to receive this award from all of you."
Voting Breakdown
The MVP award is determined by a combination of votes from players, club technical staff, and select media members. Here’s how the voting broke down:
| Player | Percentage of Votes |
|---|---|
| Lionel Messi | 38.4% |
| Cucho Hernández | 33.7% |
| Evander | 9.2% |
| Christian Benteke | 7.1% |
| Luis Suárez | 2.2% |
Messi’s closest competitor, Columbus Crew forward Cucho Hernández, received 33.7% of the votes, highlighting the competitive nature of the award.
Messi’s Legacy
This MVP award adds to Messi’s already impressive list of accolades, which includes eight Ballon d’Or titles and numerous league MVP awards across Europe. His presence in MLS has not only elevated the league’s profile but has also inspired a new generation of soccer players in the United States.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber remarked on Messi’s impact, stating, "Unless you’re living in the world of global football, it’s hard to imagine the overall appeal and the massive popularity and stardom that Leo Messi has."
Looking Ahead
As Messi continues his career with Inter Miami, he remains under contract until the end of the 2025 season, with hopes of extending his stay through the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. His commitment to the league and the club promises exciting times ahead for both Messi and MLS fans alike.
In conclusion, Lionel Messi’s recognition as the MLS MVP for the 2024 season is a testament to his enduring talent and influence in the world of soccer. As he continues to break records and inspire, fans eagerly anticipate what the future holds for this legendary player.
Sources
- Lionel Messi wins MLS MVP award | AP News, AP News.
- Lionel Messi named MLS MVP after record-smashing 2024 season with Inter Miami | FOX Sports, FOX Sports.
- Lionel Messi crowned MLS MVP for 2024 season – The Athletic, The New York Times.
- Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi earns 2024 Major League Soccer MVP – UPI.com, UPI.com.
- Inter Miami star Lionel Messi picked as Major League Soccer’s MVP | National | the-messenger.com, The Messenger.
