Messi Crowned MVP After Incredible Season
Lionel Messi’s debut season in Major League Soccer was nothing short of extraordinary. On Friday, the Argentine legend was awarded the 2024 Landon Donovan MLS Most Valuable Player (MVP) title, cementing his status as a global football phenomenon.

Since joining Inter Miami in mid-2023, Messi has redefined excellence in MLS. In just 19 matches, he scored 20 goals and provided 16 assists, leading his team to the top of the regular-season standings with an impressive 74 points and earning the prestigious Supporters’ Shield.

Messi Shares His Thoughts
During the award ceremony, Messi reflected on his journey. “This award is a great honor, but we had bigger dreams this year,” he said. “We wanted to be MLS champions, but we’ll come back stronger next season to try again.”

Breaking Records and Barriers
Messi’s achievement marks the first time an Inter Miami player has won the MVP award, named after MLS legend Landon Donovan. At 37, Messi has joined an elite group of players who have achieved the rare milestone of 20 goals and 15 assists in a single season, a feat previously accomplished by Carlos Vela and Sebastian Giovinco.

Tough Competition, Clear Victory
The road to the MVP title was competitive, with nominees like Cucho Hernandez (Columbus Crew) and Evander (Portland Timbers) in the mix. However, Messi’s exceptional performances made him the undeniable choice for the league’s top honor.

What Lies Ahead for Messi?
Though the season ended in a disappointing playoff exit, Messi’s leadership and unmatched skills have set the stage for an exciting 2025. With the MLS Cup still a goal and the Club World Cup debut on the horizon, the Messi era in MLS is just getting started.