Messi named 2024 MLS MVP after record season

Lionel Messi has been named the 2024 Landon Donovan MLS Most Valuable Player following a campaign in which he captained Inter Miami to their first-ever Supporters' Shield as top club in the regular season, the league said.

In his first full MLS season after joining Miami in July 2023, Messi had 20 goals and 16 assists in 19 matches while his club set a league record with a 74-point campaign before a stunning first-round elimination from the playoffs.

For Messi, the MVP award is yet another accolade in an illustrious career that includes a World Cup winner's medal and a record eight Ballon d'Or awards as the world's best soccer player.

The 37-year-old Argentine is the first player in Inter Miami history to earn the MLS's highest individual honor, which was renamed in 2015 after former MVP Donovan, who played a key role in establishing the league.

The Miami captain also joined Mexico's Carlos Vela in 2019 and Italy's Sebastian Giovinco in 2015 as the only players in MLS history with at least 20 goals and 15 assists in a season.

Messi beat out Columbus Crew forward Cucho Hernandez, Portland Timbers midfielder Evander, D.C. United’s Christian Benteke and Miami teammate Luis Suarez took home the award.

The Argentine finished with an average vote of 38.4%, while Cucho Hernández received 33.7%.

In front of over 250 academy players from Inter Miami, a crowd of children lined up in the center of the field forming the letters: MVP.

"It truly is an honor for me to receive this award from all of you," Messi told the academy players.

Messi was awarded the Landon Donovan MVP honor, despite missing 15 of the 34 regular-season matches with Inter Miami due to injuries or national team commitments with Argentina.

He was involved in a total of 36 goals in the league — scoring 20 and providing 16 assists — achieving the highest rate per 90 minutes in MLS history.

Messi was chosen by 41% of players and 43% of the media.