In an extraordinary feat, Lionel Messi, the iconic forward for Argentina and Inter Miami, has been named the 2024 Landon Donovan Major League Soccer (MLS) Most Valuable Player. The announcement, made on Friday, marks another milestone in Messi’s illustrious career as he claims his first MLS MVP award. The honor follows a record-breaking debut season with Inter Miami that left fans and critics alike in awe of his talent and impact on the league.
A Record-Breaking Season for the Ages
At 37 years old, Messi demonstrated once again why he is considered one of the greatest footballers of all time. In just 20 regular-season games for Inter Miami, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner scored an incredible 20 goals and provided 16 assists. These 36 goal contributions place him fifth in the all-time list for the highest single-season tally in MLS history. Messi’s remarkable ability to consistently deliver on the field proved instrumental for Inter Miami as they achieved a club-record 74 points during the regular season.
Inter Miami’s form with Messi on the pitch was nothing short of phenomenal. The team lost only one game in which Messi featured, finishing the regular season with 12 wins, six draws, and a single defeat. His on-field presence not only elevated the team’s performance but also made Inter Miami a force to reckon with in the league. Messi’s impact on the game was further underscored by his MLS-record average of 2.18 goal contributions per 90 minutes, a statistic that firmly cemented his status as the league’s most influential player.
The Prestigious Landon Donovan MLS MVP Award
The Landon Donovan MLS MVP award has been a hallmark of the league since its inception in 1996. It is awarded to the player deemed most valuable to their team based on votes from players, club technical staff, and media. By winning this award, Messi joins an elite group of players who have left an indelible mark on the league. Notably, he is the fifth Argentine to earn this distinction, further highlighting the strong connection between Argentine players and MLS success.
Messi’s journey to the award was far from easy, as he faced stiff competition from Columbus Crew’s forward Cucho Hernandez. Ultimately, Messi secured the honor with 38.43% of the vote, narrowly edging out Hernandez, who garnered 33.70%. The close race underscores the incredible level of talent and competition in the league this season.
Immediate Impact in His First Full Season
Messi’s triumph is particularly noteworthy as it came during his first full MLS season. Having joined Inter Miami in July 2023, the Argentine superstar quickly adapted to the league and began producing standout performances. His influence extended beyond just goals and assists; he became the heart and soul of Inter Miami, inspiring his teammates and captivating fans across North America.
The arrival of Messi, along with former FC Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, marked a turning point for Inter Miami. The trio brought their wealth of experience and championship pedigree to the club, transforming Miami into a title contender. Messi’s partnership with these seasoned players created a dynamic and entertaining style of play that thrilled fans and raised the profile of MLS on the global stage.
Playoff Disappointment Amid Regular Season Dominance
While Inter Miami dominated the regular season, their playoff journey ended in disappointment. The team faced a tough challenge in the first round against Atlanta United, ultimately suffering a 2-1 series loss in the best-of-three matchup. Despite their early exit from the playoffs, Messi’s contributions throughout the season ensured that Inter Miami remained one of the standout teams of the year.
The playoff defeat highlighted some areas for improvement, but the foundation laid by Messi and his teammates bodes well for the future. Inter Miami’s management has already begun making moves to strengthen the team for the upcoming season, ensuring that they remain competitive and aim for greater success.
A New Chapter for Inter Miami
As Inter Miami looks ahead to the 2025 season, significant changes are on the horizon. The club recently announced that former FC Barcelona player Javier Mascherano will take over as head coach following Tata Martino’s decision to step down. Mascherano’s appointment brings a fresh perspective and a deep understanding of the game, particularly given his past experience with Messi and other members of the squad.
Messi is set to return to MLS action next season alongside his trusted allies Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and the newly joined Luis Suárez. The reunion of these former Barcelona stars is expected to bolster Inter Miami’s chances of achieving both domestic and international success. Fans are eagerly anticipating another thrilling season as Messi and company aim to build on their achievements and solidify Miami’s status as a powerhouse in MLS.
Messi’s Enduring Legacy
Lionel Messi’s historic MLS MVP win adds another chapter to his already legendary career. From his record-breaking years at FC Barcelona to leading Argentina to World Cup glory, Messi has consistently redefined excellence in football. His transition to MLS has not only brought unparalleled attention to the league but also raised the standard of competition and inspired a new generation of players.
As the 2024 MLS season comes to a close, Messi’s contributions stand as a testament to his unwavering dedication and unmatched skill. His ability to adapt to new challenges and continue performing at the highest level underscores why he is regarded as one of the greatest athletes in the history of sport.
In summary, Lionel Messi’s 2024 MLS MVP award is a well-deserved recognition of his incredible impact on Inter Miami and the league as a whole. His record-breaking season, coupled with his leadership and vision, has set a new benchmark for excellence in MLS. As Messi prepares for the next chapter of his journey, fans can look forward to witnessing even more magic from this footballing icon.