Lionel Messi recently made headlines as he received the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in Major League Soccer (MLS) for the year 2024. In a heartwarming surprise, Messi learned about this honor during a special event involving over 250 young players from the Inter Miami academy, who formed the letters “MVP” with their bodies at midfield. They were proudly holding a trophy to celebrate his achievement.
This recognition comes despite Messi’s limited participation in the season, where he was absent for 15 out of 34 regular matches due to injuries and commitments with the Argentina national team. Nonetheless, he still left a significant mark on the league, being involved in a record 36 goals—scoring 20 and assisting on 16—setting the highest rate in MLS history.
During the presentation, Messi expressed his gratitude to the young players, stating, “It is truly an honor for me to receive this award from all of you.” The announcement of the MVP award was made public recently, revealing that Messi narrowly beat out Columbus Crew’s Cucho Hernández. The voting results showed that Messi garnered 38.4% of the votes, while Hernández received 33.7%. Other notable players included Evander from the Portland Timbers and Christian Benteke from D.C. United.
Commissioner of MLS, Don Garber, was present at the event and described Messi’s impact on the league, comparing his global appeal to that of famous icons like Michael Jackson and Taylor Swift. Messi’s remarkable season also included leading his Inter Miami team to achieve the Supporters Shield and the best regular-season record in the league’s history, along with captaining Argentina to a Copa America title.
However, Messi mentioned his desire to achieve even more, reflecting on his team’s playoff exit, saying, “I would have liked to receive this award in another situation, being able to play the (MLS Cup) final next Saturday. But that’s also what football is about, overcoming yourself every day.”
As one of the most decorated players in soccer history, Messi adds the MLS MVP award—named after Landon Donovan—to his impressive list of accolades. This includes eight Ballon d’Or awards and numerous titles in Europe and abroad. The young academy players even had the chance to share their admiration for Messi, with one under-19 player telling him, “Thank you for giving us so many unforgettable memories.”
Messi’s move to Inter Miami last year shocked many but undeniably elevated the club’s status, transforming it into a significant brand in soccer. He has been a sensation, with his jersey topping sales since his arrival. As he continues with Inter Miami, where he is under contract until the end of 2025, both the team and its fans are hopeful for a bright future.
Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas expressed his satisfaction with the investment in Messi, stating that it has been an amazing journey so far, and there’s more to look forward to. With aspirations to keep him through 2026, especially with plans for a new stadium, the excitement around Messi’s presence in the league continues to grow.
In summary, Messi’s remarkable journey in MLS thus far highlights not only his exceptional talent but also the strong impact he has on young players and the community, reinforcing the idea that football is about more than just winning—it’s about inspiring future generations.
