Lionel Messi Crowned Major League Soccer MVP with Inter Miami

Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi has been named Major League Soccer’s Most Valuable Player, marking another milestone in his illustrious career. Read more about his achievement.

It was a rare moment when Lionel Messi set foot on the soccer field and found himself completely at a loss.

There they stood, over 250 players from the Inter Miami academy, a large group of kids arranged at midfield to spell out “MVP.” When Messi noticed his children among them, he saw that they were holding a trophy.

That’s how Messi discovered he was the top player in Major League Soccer for 2024.

Messi has been named the MLS MVP despite missing 15 of Inter Miami’s 34 regular-season games due to injuries or commitments with Argentina’s national team. He contributed to a league-leading total of 36 goals, scoring 20 and assisting on another 16, achieving the highest per-90-minute rate in MLS history.

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

On Friday, MLS announced the voting results, showing that Messi narrowly beat Columbus Crew forward Cucho Hernández for the award. The decision was based on a poll conducted among players, club technical staff, and select media members. While club voters slightly favored Hernández over Messi, 41% of players and 43% of media chose Messi as their top pick.

“Unless you’re immersed in the global football scene, it’s difficult to grasp the immense appeal and widespread fame of Leo Messi,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber. He was present at Inter Miami’s stadium for a surprise MVP presentation on Wednesday night. “He’s like Michael Jackson meeting Taylor Swift—and he’s playing in our league.”

Messi secured 38.4% of the average vote, with Hernández following at 33.7%. The remaining positions in the top five were occupied by Portland Timbers midfielder Evander (9.2%), D.C. United’s Christian Benteke (7.1%), and Messi’s Inter Miami teammate Luis Suárez (2.2%).

Messi’s victory concluded a remarkable 2024 campaign in which he guided Inter Miami to secure the Supporters Shield and achieve the best regular season record in MLS history. Additionally, he captained Argentina to win the Copa America title. However, Inter Miami was eliminated in Round 1 of the MLS Cup playoffs.

“I wish I could have accepted this award under different circumstances, with the opportunity to play in the MLS Cup final next Saturday,” said Messi. “However, football is about continually pushing your limits and overcoming challenges. We dreamed of becoming MLS champions this year; it didn’t work out, but we’ll return stronger next year to try again.”

The MLS MVP award, named after Landon Donovan, is just another accolade on Lionel Messi’s impressively long list of career achievements. He has won the Ballon d’Or eight times and been FIFA Player of the Year eight times as well. In addition to being a seven-time Spanish League MVP, he has also received honors such as UEFA Player of the Year and Champions League Player of the Season. Furthermore, he’s taken home both World Cup Golden Ball and Club World Cup Golden Ball awards among many others throughout his storied career.

Is he the best player ever? It’s hard to dispute. During the trophy presentation, some academy players had the opportunity to speak with Messi and explained why they consider him their MVP.

“Hey Leo, you’re my MVP! You’ve been my idol since childhood, and it’s amazing to see you in person every day,” said Victor Fung from Inter Miami’s under-19 team. “Thank you for all the unforgettable memories… thank you for everything.”

Messi surprised many in the soccer community last year by choosing Inter Miami, quickly elevating the team into one of the sport’s most prominent brands. Shortly after his arrival, Messi helped secure a Leagues Cup victory for Inter Miami, marking their first trophy win. Since joining and wearing the No. 10 jersey, he has also driven MLS sales to new heights as it became an instant bestseller due to being worn by perhaps history’s most celebrated player.

“I must say it went beyond my expectations,” Garber remarked. “I appreciate what it’s done for MLS and I hope Leo remains healthy and continues in the league for many years to come.”

The 37-year-old Messi is contracted until the end of the 2025 season, and Inter Miami has openly expressed its desire for him to stay at least through 2026, coinciding with the club’s plans to open a new stadium near Miami International Airport.

“I would be thrilled for Leo to remain a part of our league indefinitely,” Garber remarked. “I spoke with his wife on Wednesday night and greeted their kids as well. They all seem really happy here, which is wonderful. Seeing both a player and their family truly content is the ultimate goal.”

This week, Jorge Mas, the managing owner of Inter Miami, was asked about his thoughts on the club’s remarkable investment in Messi. His contract is valued at least $150 million overall, and his yearly MLS salary surpasses the combined payrolls of some entire MLS teams.

“Just one word,” Mas remarked, momentarily forgetting that anything related to Messi usually demands more than a single word. “It’s been an incredible journey and there’s much more ahead.”