Inter Miami’s superstar Lionel Messi is the recipient of the Most Valuable Player award for the 2024 MLS season.
Messi received the MVP honors despite playing just 19 games in the regular season due to injuries. However, he was phenomenal when available, scoring 20 goals and dishing 16 assists. He became only the third player in league history with at least 20 goals and 15 assists in a single season, joining Carlos Vela and Sebastian Giovinco.
Messi received 38.48% of the total votes from clubs, media, and fans. Columbus Crew’s Cucho Hernández came in second with 33.70% of the votes, followed by Portland Timbers’ Evander (9.24%), D.C. United’s Christian Benteke (7.10%), and Messi’s Inter Miami teammate Luis Suarez (2.17%).
Messi was presented with the MVP award by MLS Commissioner Don Garber in front of the Inter Miami academy players on Friday.
“Truly, it is an honor for me to receive this award from all of you,” Messi said. “It’s a source of pride to watch you all train. I’m very happy to be here every day. I’m very happy to be in this city, in this Club that is growing. It’s a pleasure to see you grow day by day. I invite you to keep fighting and striving for your dreams.”
With Messi leading the way, Inter Miami finished the 2024 MLS regular season with 74 points, winning the Supporters’ Shield trophy and setting the new record for most points in a single season. However, Inter ended up stumbling in the playoffs, being eliminated by Atlanta United in the first round.
