Messi is the 2024 MLS Most Valuable Player

Lionel Messi led Inter Miami to their first-ever Supporters’ Shield as the top team during the regular season, and the league announced on Friday that Messi was selected the 2024 Landon Donovan MLS Most Valuable Player.

Before his team’s shocking first-round playoff defeat, Messi scored 20 goals and provided 16 assists in 19 games during his first complete MLS season after joining Miami in July 2023. His team also set a league record with a 74-point performance.

During the MVP event, Messi stated, “I would have preferred to receive this award in another situation, being able to play the final (on) Saturday.”

“We were really hoping to win the MLS this year. We will return stronger to attempt again next year, even though it didn’t work out.

In a career that has seen Messi win a World Cup medal and a record eight Ballon d’Or trophies as the finest soccer player in the world, the MVP title is just one more honor.

It was renamed in 2015 in honor of former MVP Donovan, who was instrumental in the league’s founding, and the 37-year-old Argentine is the first player in Inter Miami history to receive the MLS’s highest individual prize.

As the only players in MLS history to record at least 20 goals and 15 assists in a season, the Miami captain also joined Carlos Vela of Mexico (LAFC, 2019; 34 goals, 15 assists) and Sebastian Giovinco of Italy (Toronto FC, 2015; 22 goals, 16 assists).

Messi defeated Miami teammate Luis Suarez, Christian Benteke of D.C. United, Portland Timbers midfielder Evander, and Columbus Crew striker Cucho Hernandez to win the prize.

Congratulations, Leo. “We’re honored to have you in our league on behalf of our entire league, our entire nation, and all of the fans of the game here and around the world,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber said.

“To have the best player in the world be the best player in Major League Soccer is something that dreams are made of for all of us.”