Lionel Messi Crowned MLS Most Valuable Player
The ex-Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward helped Inter Miami set a regular-season points record before the team was defeated in the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs in November.
Despite being limited to only 19 regular-season games and two playoff appearances due to injuries, the 37-year-old topped the league in goal contributions with 36, including 20 goals and 16 assists. This coveted award recognizes Messi’s outstanding performance in his inaugural MLS season.
Lionel Messi has been named the 2024 MLS MVP, adding yet another award to a trophy cabinet already brimming with accolades 🏆
— Pubity Sport (@pubitysport) December 6, 2024
He becomes the FIRST player in Inter Miami history to earn this honour, leading his side to the best record in the MLS for the 2024 regular season 👏 pic.twitter.com/zSQ4IghTgX
Players, team technical staff, and journalists vote to determine the MLS MVP. Messi received 38.43% of the votes, edging Columbus Crew’s Cucho Hernandez, who received 33.7%.
Former United States midfielder Landon Donovan, Republic of Ireland’s Robbie Keane, and Spain’s David Villa have all received the Landon Donovan MLS MVP Award, officially named after him.
He set a new MLS record for goal contributions per 90 minutes, averaging 2.18. Messi scored or assisted in 15 of 19 games, including 11 matches when he contributed multiple goals.
With Messi in the lineup, Miami only lost one regular-season game, going 12-1-6 and averaging 2.68 goals per game. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner also helped Miami to become the first MLS side to win at least 11 games at home and away (excluding the shootout period).
Landon Donovan MLS MVP Winners
- 2024: Lionel Messi, Inter Miami CF
- 2023: Luciano Acosta, FC Cincinnati
- 2022: Hany Mukhtar, Nashville, SC
- 2021: Carles Gil—New England Revolution
- 2020: Alejandro Pozuelo, Toronto FC
- 2019: Carlos Vela, Los Angeles Football Club
- 2018: Josef Martínez, Atlanta United FC
- 2017: Diego Valeri, Portland Timbers
- 2016: David Villa, New York City FC
- 2015: Sebastian Giovinco, Toronto FC
- 2014: Robbie Keane, LA Galaxy
- 2013: Mike Magee, Chicago Fire
- 2012: Chris Wondolowski, San Jose Earthquakes
- 2011: Dwayne De Rosario, D.C. United
- 2010: David Ferreira, FC Dallas
- 2009: Landon Donovan, LA Galaxy
- 2008: Guillermo Barros Schelotto, Columbus Crew
- 2007: Luciano Emilio, D.C. United
- 2006: Christian Gómez, D.C. United
- 2005: Taylor Twellman, New England Revolution
- 2004: Amado Guevara—MetroStars
- 2003: Preki – Kansas City Wizards
- 2002: Carlos Ruiz, LA Galaxy
- 2001: Alex Pineda Chacon, Miami Fusion
- 2000: Tony Meola, Kansas City Wizards
- 1999: Jason Kreis – Dallas Burn
- 1998: Marco Etcheverry, D.C. United
- 1997: Preki-Kansas City Wizards
- 1996: Carlos Valderrama, Tampa Bay Mutiny
Lionel Messi’s outstanding rookie season in the MLS cemented his position as one of football’s best players. His outstanding achievements on the field helped Inter Miami reach new heights, earning him the prestigious MLS MVP trophy. Despite injuries and a mid-season move, Messi’s effect was clear. His ability to constantly play at the highest level has enthralled spectators and established a new bar for greatness in Major League Soccer. As Messi continues to shine brilliantly in MLS, his path is sure to inspire future generations of players and fans.
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