Inter Miami star Lionel Messi has been named MLS MVP for 2024 despite the fact that he played just 19 regular season matches.
Messi scored 20 goals and provided 16 assists in 19 regular season appearances to help Inter Miami win the Supporters' Shield with a record points tally.
The Argentine also registered a goal and an assist in Inter Miami's three-game series against Atlanta United in the first round of the playoffs.
However, those two goal contributions could not prevent Inter Miami from suffering a surprise 2-1 series defeat, bringing an abrupt end to their MLS Cup bid.
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Messi collects 2024 MLS MVP award
While he was unable to lead Inter Miami to MLS Cup glory, Messi still did enough to collect the Landon Donovan MVP Award for the 2024 MLS campaign.
The Argentina international was named the MLS MVP following a vote by players, club technical staff and selected members of the media.
Messi received 38.43% of the average vote despite the fact that he missed 15 of Inter Miami's 34 matches in the regular season.
The Argentina international spent a significant period on the sidelines after he sustained an ankle injury in July's Copa America final against Colombia.
Crucially, Messi played 1,485 minutes in the regular season, meeting the minimum requirement of 1,000 minutes to be eligible for the MVP award.
Our MVP by our @InterMiamiAcad 💫 This is the #FreedomToDream pic.twitter.com/EpGWNVfeKj
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) December 6, 2024
What did Messi have to say about his MVP success?
Messi received the reward in a surprise ceremony at Chase Stadium, where Inter Miami's academy players aligned to form the letters 'MVP'.
The 37-year-old walked on the pitch to meet MLS commissioner Don Garber and collect the trophy from his three sons.
Speaking to the academy players, Messi said: "Truly, it is an honour for me to receive this award from all of you. It's a source of pride to watch you all train.
"I'm very happy to be here every day. I'm very happy to be in this city, in this club that is growing...It's a pleasure to see you grow day by day. I invite you to keep fighting and striving for your dreams."
Introducing the 2024 Landon Donovan @MLS Most Valuable Player - Leo Messi 🏆 Inspirando a la @InterMiamiAcad dentro y fuera de la cancha ✨ pic.twitter.com/UQGnCb41Ht
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) December 6, 2024
Benteke and Suarez miss out
Messi's closest challenger was Columbus Crew's Cucho Hernandez, who picked up an average vote of 33.8% after he scored 19 goals and provided 14 assists in 27 matches in the regular season.
Portland Timbers's Evander finished in third place with 9.24%, while DC United's Christian Benteke had to settle for fourth spot with 7.10%.
The former Liverpool and Aston Villa striker racked up 23 goals in 30 appearances to finish as the regular season's top scorer despite the fact that DC United failed to reach the playoffs.
Messi's teammate, Luis Suarez, rounded out the top five with 2.17% after he scored 20 goals and contributed nine assists in 27 regular season appearances.
