Lionel Messi Wins 2024 MLS MVP Award, Despite Missing 15 Matches
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — It was a rare instance of Lionel Messi stepping on a soccer field and having no idea what was happening.
A Surprise MVP Presentation
There were more than 250 Inter Miami academy players, a slew of kids lined up at midfield in a formation that spelled out three letters: MVP. And when Messi saw his children, he realized they were holding a trophy.
That’s how Messi learned he was Major League Soccer’s best player in 2024.
A Season of Exceptional Performance
Messi is the MLS MVP, even after a season where he missed 15 of Inter Miami’s 34 regular-season matches with injuries or commitments to Argentina’s national team. He factored into a league-high 36 goals — scoring 20, assisting on 16 others — for the highest rate per 90 minutes in MLS history.
A League-Wide Recognition
MLS revealed the voting results Friday. Messi edged out Columbus Crew forward Cucho Hernández for the award, which is determined by a poll of players, club technical staff, and select media members. The club voters preferred Hernández over Messi by a slight margin; Messi was the choice of 41% of players and 43% of media.
A League Commissioner’s Perspective
"Unless you’re living in the world of global football, it’s hard to imagine the overall appeal and the massive popularity and stardom that Leo Messi has," said MLS Commissioner Don Garber, who was also at Inter Miami’s stadium for the surprise MVP presentation. "I mean, he is Michael Jackson meeting Taylor Swift — and he’s playing in our league."
A Career of Accolades
Messi’s win capped a 2024 campaign where he led Inter Miami to the Supporters Shield and best regular season record in MLS history, plus captained Argentina to a Copa America title. Inter Miami fell in Round 1 of the MLS Cup playoffs.
Conclusion
Messi’s award is yet another entry on the absurdly long list of career honors for the 37-year-old Argentine superstar. He is an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, eight-time FIFA player of the year winner, a seven-time Spanish league MVP, past UEFA player of the year, past Champions League player of the season, World Cup golden ball winner, Club World Cup golden ball winner, and the list goes on and on and on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How did Messi’s contract with Inter Miami work out so far?
A: Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas described the situation as "amazing" and stated that "there’s more to come."
Q: What is Messi’s contract with Inter Miami worth?
A: Messi’s contract with the team is worth at least $150 million in total value, with an annual MLS salary of over $10 million.
Q: Will Messi stay with Inter Miami beyond his current contract?
A: Messi is under contract through the end of the 2025 season, and Inter Miami has made no secret that it wants him to remain into at least 2026, when the club plans to open a new stadium near Miami International Airport.
