In an unforgettable moment, Lionel Messi was named the 2024 Major League Soccer (MLS) Most Valuable Player during a surprise ceremony at Inter Miami’s stadium. Over 250 Inter Miami academy players lined up to form the letters “MVP” on the pitch, while Messi’s own children presented him with the trophy.
It was a fitting tribute for the global superstar, who has once again proven his unparalleled excellence on the soccer field.
Messi, 37, earned the Landon Donovan MLS MVP award despite missing 15 of Inter Miami’s 34 regular-season games due to injuries and international commitments. Yet, he factored into a league-high 36 goals — scoring 20 and assisting on 16 achieving the highest rate per 90 minutes in MLS history.
“Truly, it is an honor for me to receive this award from all of you,” Messi told the academy players who attended the presentation.
MLS announced the results Friday, with Messi edging Columbus Crew forward Cucho Hernández in a closely contested vote. Messi garnered 38.4% of the average vote, narrowly ahead of Hernández’s 33.7%.
“Unless you’re living in the world of global football, it’s hard to imagine the appeal and stardom that Leo Messi has,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber, likening Messi’s influence to cultural icons Michael Jackson and Taylor Swift.
The award caps a remarkable year for Messi, who led Inter Miami to the Supporters’ Shield and the best regular-season record in MLS history. He also captained Argentina to a Copa America title.
Despite his individual success, Messi expressed disappointment at Inter Miami’s early exit from the MLS Cup playoffs.
“I would have liked to receive this award in another situation, being able to play the [MLS Cup] final next Saturday,” Messi said. “But that’s what football is about, overcoming yourself every day. We had a big dream of being MLS champions this year. It didn’t happen, but next year we’ll come back stronger.”
This MLS MVP honor is yet another accolade in Messi’s illustrious career. The Argentine legend is an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, a seven-time Spanish league MVP, and a World Cup Golden Ball recipient, among numerous other honors.
Inter Miami’s young academy players took the opportunity to share their admiration with Messi during the ceremony. “Hi Leo, you are my MVP because you have been my idol since I was a child,” said Victor Fung, an under-19 player.
Messi’s arrival in MLS has transformed Inter Miami into a global brand, with his iconic No. 10 jersey becoming the league’s top seller. His influence also helped Miami secure its first-ever trophy, the Leagues Cup, shortly after his debut.
“I will say it exceeded my expectations,” said Garber. “I love what it’s done for MLS, and I hope Leo stays healthy and continues with us for a long time.”
Messi is under contract with Inter Miami until the end of the 2025 season, with plans to extend his stay. The club aims to have him lead the team into its new stadium, set to open in 2026.
Inter Miami’s managing owner, Jorge Mas, summarized Messi’s transformative impact with one word: “Amazing.”
For Messi, his journey in MLS is far from over. As he said during the ceremony, “There’s more to come.
![](https://amnewsworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ami-banner.png"/)
