On the evening of December 6, Vietnam time, Messi received the 2024 MLS Landon Donovan MVP Award. The award ceremony was held in a surprise ceremony at Inter Miami’s stadium, where Messi did not know that he was the main character.
More than 250 young players from Inter Miami’s academy lined up to form the word “MVP” on the field. Messi’s children presented him with the award and it came as a huge surprise to the Argentine superstar. With this title, Messi also officially entered the Inter Miami history books by becoming the first player to win this award.
Despite missing 15 of 34 games in the 2024 MLS season due to injury and having to return to play for Argentina, Messi still left a strong mark on Inter Miami’s journey to winning the Supporters’ Shield.
Thus, La Pulga scored 20 goals and assisted 16 times for Inter Miami, achieving the highest contribution rate in the history of the tournament. Messi became the third player in MLS history to score at least 20 goals and add 15 assists in a season, after Carlos Vela (2019, LAFC) and Sebastián Giovinco (2015, Toronto FC).
Messi also leads the league with a rate of scoring more than one goal per 90 minutes and set an MLS record by contributing an average of 2.18 goals per game in 1,485 minutes on the field.
This helped him beat out rivals in the MVP voting such as Cucho Hernandez (Columbus Crew), Evander (Portland Timbers), Christian Benteke (DC United) and his teammate Luis Suarez at Inter Miami. The choice was voted on by the players, the coaching staff and the media.
Messi became the tenth South American player and the fifth Argentine to win the MVP, after Luciano Acosta (FC Cincinnati, 2023), Diego Valeri (Portland Timbers, 2017), Guillermo Barros Schelotto (Columbus Crew, 2008), Christian Gómez (DC United, 2006). He is also the first Inter Miami player to win this individual title.
However, upon receiving the award, Messi revealed one regret. “I hope to receive this award when we are in the MLS Cup final,” he said. “But football is like that, always challenge yourself and improve every day.”
The Argentine superstar also thanked everyone: “It is a real honour to receive this award from the academy players. I am proud to see them practice every day. Keep fighting and chasing your dreams.”
During the event, six young Inter Miami players also sent their words to Messi. “Messi is my MVP because he is the best example for the Academy and for me,” said Inter Miami U-17 player Alexander Shaw. “Humility and daily sacrifice help him become the best player in the world.”
The MLS MVP award is a new milestone in Messi’s illustrious career. With 8 Ballon d’Ors, 8 times honored as best FIFA player, 7 times best player in La Liga and many other individual titles, Messi continues to affirm his legendary status.
