Lionel Messi crowned MLS MVP after stellar 2024 campaign

Lionel Messi has added another prestigious award to his trophy cabinet as he has been crowned Major League Soccer’s MVP for the 2024 campaign.

The award is voted on by players, club technical staff, and select media.

The Inter Miami star finished the 2024 MLS regular season with a league-leading 20 goals and 16 assists, the fifth-highest goal contribution tally in MLS single-season history — and he did it all having played less than 1,500 minutes.

Messi joined MLS greats Carlos Vela and Sebastian Giovinco as the only players in MLS history with at least 20 goals and 15 assists in a single season.

While Inter Miami’s foray in the MLS Cup Playoffs did not go as planned, the Herons finished with an MLS-record 74 points in the regular season en route to the club’s first ever Supporters Shield.

The legendary forward is the first Inter Miami player to be named MLS MVP, and just the 10th South American player to capture the award.

Messi finished ahead of Columbus Crew forward Cucho Hernández, Portland Timbers midfielder Evander, D.C. United’s Christian Benteke, and fellow Inter Miami teammate Luis Suárez to take home the award.

📸 CHRIS ARJOON – AFP or licensors