Lionel Messi Named 2024 MLS MVP Despite Limited Appearances

Lionel Messi has been named the winner of the Landon Donovan MVP Award for the 2024 MLS season, edging out strong competition from the Columbus Crew’s Cucho Hernández, the Portland Timbers’ Evander, D.C. United’s Christian Benteke, and his Inter Miami teammate Luis Suárez. The 37-year-old Argentine superstar secured the award thanks to his impressive tally of 20 goals and 16 assists in just 19 matches.

Messi’s achievement puts him in elite company, joining Carlos Vela (LAFC, 2019) and Sebastian Giovinco (Toronto FC, 2015) as the only players in MLS history to record at least 20 goals and 15 assists in a single season. 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 second-place finisher Benteke, who garnered 33.70%.

Receiving his award from the Academy players, Messi said “Truly, it is an honor for me to receive this award from all of you. 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.”

Despite playing in only 55% of the regular season matches due to a 62-day absence caused by an ankle injury sustained during Argentina’s Copa América final win over Colombia, Messi’s impact on the pitch was undeniable. He averaged more than one goal every 90 minutes, leading the league, and his 2.18 goal contributions per match set a new MLS record.

MLS commissioner Don Garber made the announcement Friday alongside Inter Miami Academy students and Messi’s three sons in a video. Messi expressed his gratitude and pride, saying, “Truly, it is an honor for me to receive this award from all of you. 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.”

Messi’s contributions helped Inter Miami win the Supporters’ Shield and set the single-season points record with 74 points. However, their impressive regular season ended in disappointment when they lost to Atlanta United in the first round of the playoffs.

The MLS MVP award adds to Messi’s already impressive list of career honors, which includes eight Ballon d’Or wins, eight FIFA player of the year awards, seven LaLiga MVP titles, and numerous other accolades.

MLS commissioner Don Garber emphasized Messi’s global appeal and popularity, 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. I mean, he is Michael Jackson meeting Taylor Swift — and he’s playing in our league.”

The MLS Cup final is set to take place on Saturday in Carson, California, with the LA Galaxy hosting the New York Red Bulls as they seek a record sixth Cup, while the Red Bulls aim for their first.