Lionel Messi Named MLS MVP with Historic Record

The former Barcelona player averaged 2.18 goal contributions per 90 minutes, setting a new standard of effectiveness in Major League Soccer.

Argentine forward Lionel Messi, of Inter Miami, was named the MLS Most Valuable Player (MVP) this Friday after scoring 20 goals and providing 16 assists in just 1,485 minutes of play during the regular season.

A brilliant season with historic records
At 37 years old, Messi led Inter Miami to a record 74 points in the regular season, despite missing several matches due to physical issues and his participation in the Copa América with the Argentina national team.

Additionally, Messi was named Player of the Week six times and Player of the Month twice. He is the first player in Inter Miami history to win the MVP award and the 10th South American to earn this distinction.

South Americans dominate the MVP award
With this recognition, Messi joins a select list of Argentine players who have won the MVP award, including Luciano Acosta (FC Cincinnati, 2023), Diego Valeri (Portland Timbers, 2017), Guillermo Barros Schelotto (Columbus Crew, 2008), and Christian Gómez (D.C. United, 2006).

In the voting, Messi surpassed Colombian forward Juan Camilo 'Cucho' Hernández, of Columbus Crew, and Brazilian playmaker Evander, of Portland Timbers.

Inter Miami: Success and challenges
Inter Miami dominated the 2024 regular season, capturing the Supporters' Shield as the team with the most points across both conferences. However, their playoff journey ended in the first round after falling in three matches against Atlanta United.

A Messi no le sorprende el Barça de Flick

MLS

This is What Messi Said After Being Named MLS MVP

The team, co-owned by British legend David Beckham, launched an ambitious sports and business project in 2023. This included signing Messi, Spaniards Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, and Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez. They also brought in Argentine coach Gerardo 'Tata' Martino, under whom they won the Leagues Cup, the club’s first-ever trophy, in a tournament that pits MLS teams against those from Liga MX.

Looking ahead to the new season, Inter Miami has revamped its plans by hiring Argentine Javier Mascherano as its new head coach, aiming to build on the foundation set by Lionel Messi and his star-studded teammates.