Lionel Messi Receives MVP Honors for the 2024 Major League Soccer Season

New Delhi, Dec 6 (NationPress) Lionel Messi has been awarded the Most Valuable Player title for the Major League Soccer (MLS) 2024 season, securing the prestigious Landon Donovan MLS MVP accolade after an exceptional season that saw him elevate Inter Miami CF to remarkable achievements. The influence of the Argentine legend was evident as he played a pivotal role in helping Miami clinch their first-ever Supporters' Shield and set a new MLS single-season points record with 74.

Messi's individual contributions were equally impressive. Despite facing absences due to injuries and international duties with the Copa América, he concluded the season with 36 goal contributions (20 goals and 16 assists), ranking as the fifth-highest single-season total in the league's history.

In just 19 matches, Messi logged 1,485 minutes of play, demonstrating an unmatched ability to influence the game. He averaged an astounding 2.18 goal contributions per 90 minutes and was involved in scoring or assisting in 15 of his 19 appearances, achieving multiple contributions on 11 occasions.

With Messi on the squad, Inter Miami showcased an impressive record of 12 wins, 1 loss, and 6 draws in regular-season matches, averaging an impressive 2.68 goals per game during this period.

The team made history as the first in MLS to achieve at least 11 wins both at home and away. Messi's leadership and playmaking skills were crucial to the team’s triumphs, propelling them to new achievements in the league.

In the 2024 season, Messi joined an elite group of MLS players, becoming only the third to achieve a minimum of 20 goals and 15 assists in a single season, following Carlos Vela (2019 LAFC) and Sebastian Giovinco (2015 Toronto FC).

Receiving the Landon Donovan MLS MVP award marks yet another significant achievement in Messi's illustrious career, making him the fifth Argentine to receive this distinguished honor. This recognition comes in his inaugural full MLS season after joining Miami in July 2023, where he has proven to be the league's most valuable player and an indispensable presence on the field.