Lionel Messi Crowned MLS MVP: A Season to Remember
It’s official: Lionel Messi has added yet another accolade to his legendary career. On Friday, the 37-year-old superstar was named the winner of the Landon Donovan MVP Award for the 2024 MLS season. This honor cements Messi’s impact in his first full season with Inter Miami, where he delivered jaw-dropping performances and rewrote the league’s record books.
Messi edged out some stiff competition for the award, including Columbus Crew’s Cucho Hernández, Portland Timbers’ Evander, D.C. United’s Christian Benteke, and even his own Inter Miami teammate, Luis Suárez. But with 20 goals and 16 assists in just 19 matches, Messi’s numbers were simply too extraordinary to ignore.
Messi Joins Elite MLS Company
Messi’s incredible season places him in rarefied air. He joins Carlos Vela (2019, LAFC) and Sebastian Giovinco (2015, Toronto FC) as the only players in MLS history to record at least 20 goals and 15 assists in a single season. Vela’s 2019 campaign saw him notch 34 goals and 15 assists, while Giovinco tallied 22 goals and 16 assists in 2015. Messi’s ability to match these feats in fewer games is a testament to his unparalleled skill and influence on the pitch.
How the Votes Stacked Up
The MVP award is determined by a poll that includes players, club technical staff, and selected members of the media. Messi received 38.43% of the votes, narrowly beating out second-place finisher Benteke, who garnered 33.70%. Despite missing a significant chunk of the season due to an ankle injury, Messi’s impact was undeniable.
It’s worth noting that Messi only played in 55% of Inter Miami’s regular-season matches, appearing in 19 of the 34 games. Yet, his contributions were so significant that he still met the league’s minimum requirement of 1,000 minutes played for MVP consideration. In those 1,485 minutes, Messi averaged a league-best 2.18 goal contributions per match, according to MLS. That’s a record-breaking stat that underscores just how dominant he was whenever he stepped onto the field.
Messi’s Message to the Next Generation
MLS Commissioner Don Garber announced Messi’s MVP win in a heartwarming video alongside Inter Miami Academy students and Messi’s three sons. In his acceptance speech, Messi expressed gratitude and shared words of encouragement with the young players.
“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.”
Inter Miami’s Rollercoaster Season
Messi’s brilliance helped Inter Miami achieve some remarkable milestones this season. The team won the Supporters’ Shield and set a new single-season points record with 74 points. However, their postseason run ended in disappointment, as they were eliminated by Atlanta United in the first round of the playoffs.
Adding to the turbulence, head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino resigned in November for personal reasons. Inter Miami has since named Javier Mascherano, a former Barcelona and Argentina teammate of Messi, as the new head coach. Fans are hopeful that Mascherano’s close relationship with Messi will help the team build on this season’s success.
What’s Next for MLS?
While Messi and Inter Miami’s season has come to an end, the MLS Cup final is just around the corner. On Saturday, the LA Galaxy will host the New York Red Bulls in Carson, California. The Galaxy are chasing a record sixth MLS Cup title, while the Red Bulls are looking to claim their first. It’s shaping up to be an exciting conclusion to the 2024 MLS season.
Key Takeaways from Messi’s MVP Season
- Messi scored 20 goals and provided 16 assists in just 19 matches.
- He averaged 2.18 goal contributions per match, a league record.
- Inter Miami won the Supporters’ Shield and set a single-season points record with 74 points.
- Despite his brilliance, Miami’s playoff run ended in the first round.
As Messi continues to dazzle fans in MLS, one thing is clear: his presence has elevated the league to new heights. Whether you’re a die-hard Inter Miami supporter or just a casual soccer fan, it’s impossible not to marvel at what Messi has accomplished in such a short time. The question now is, what will he do next?
Originally Written by: N/A
