Messi voted MLS MVP with record-setting 2024 season for Inter Miami. Here’s what he said
Lionel Messi on Friday was named 2024 MLS Most Valuable Player, which on the surface is not surprising, but is remarkable considering he missed 15 of 34 games this season.
He averaged 2.18 goal contributions per 90 minutes with 20 goals and 16 assists, which is the best in league history. His 20 goals were on par with the other top scorers in the league despite starting half as many games and playing more than 1,000 fewer minutes.
Messi scored 20 goals in 19 games and 15 starts. Golden Boot winner Christian Benteke of D.C. United scored 23 in 30 games. Denis Bouanga of LAFC scored 20 in 32 games. Messi’s Inter Miami teammate Luis Suarez scored 20 in 27 games and Cucho Hernandez of the Columbus Crew, the runner up for league MVP scored 19 in 27 games.
Messi received the award at a surprise presentation at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday night, during which more than 250 Inter Miami Academy players lined up in an MVP formation to share the news.
MLS commissioner Don Garber was in town from New York and part of the ceremony. Messi’s three sons handed him the trophy.
“Truly, it is an honor for me to receive this award from all of you,” Messi said to the assembled Academy players. “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. At some point, I’ve crossed paths with almost every one of you. With some, we’ve trained together. It’s a pleasure to see you grow day by day. I invite you to keep fighting and striving for your dreams.”
He lamented that Inter Miami fell short in the playoffs with a first-round exit at the hands of Atlanta United. Miami was favored to win, or at least reach the MLS Cup final. Instead, the L.A. Galaxy will play the New York Red Bulls on Saturday for the championship.
“I would have liked to receive this award in another situation, being able to play on Saturday,” Messi said. “But that’s also what futbol is about, overcoming yourself every day. We had a big dream of being MLS champions this year. It didn’t happen, but next year we’ll come back stronger to try again…fight for your dreams, work hard, and in the end, sacrifice and effort are rewarded.”
Garber, who also attended the Club World Cup draw in Miami on Thursday, discussed Messi’s impact on the league.
“It’s hard to imagine the overall appeal and massive popularity and stardom that Leo Messi has,” Garber said. “I mean, he’s Michael Jackson meeting Taylor Swift, and he’s playing in our league, playing in our Miami team, and about to play in a few years in a brand new stadium [Miami Freedom Park]. His impact exceeded my expectations. I love what it’s done for MLS and I hope Leo stays healthy and will be in the league for a long time.”
Messi is under contract with Miami through 2025 with an option for 2026, which is when Miami Freedom Park is scheduled to open. Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas has said, and repeated at the Club World Cup draw on Thursday, that he expects Messi to be around for 2026.
Garber has the same hopes. He chatted with Messi’s wife, Antonella, during the MVP presentation and said the family seems happy in South Florida.
“To see a player and his family happy is what it’s all about,” Garber said.
Following the handoff of the trophy, six Academy players addressed Messi, sharing brief speeches about why he is their MVP.
Victor Fung, a U19 player, said: “Leo, you are my MVP because you have been my idol since I was a child and seeing you here in person every day is truly incredible. Words can’t explain the happiness we all feel being able to share moments with you. Thank you for giving us so many unforgettable moments and I hope you can continue enjoying the game with your loved ones.”
Although Messi missed two and a half months due to national team duty and an ankle injury, the 37-year-old Argentine legend was instrumental for a Miami team that had the best overall MLS regular season record, won its first Supporters’ Shield and broke the MLS single-season points record with 74 points.
The Miami captain joined Carlos Vela in 2019 (LAFC, 34 goals, 15 assists) and Sebastian Giovinco in 2015 (Toronto FC, 22 goals, 16 assists) as the only players in MLS history with at least 20 goals and 15 assists in a single season.
Miami only lost one regular season game with Messi in the lineup, going 12-1-6 and averaging 2.68 goals per game in those matches.
Messi is fifth Argentine to win the MVP award, joining Luciano Acosta (FC Cincinnati, 2023), Diego Valeri (Portland Timbers, 2017), Guillermo Barros Schelotto (Columbus Crew, 2008), and Christian Gómez (D.C. United, 2006).
The other 2024 finalists, in order, were Hernández, Portland Timbers midfielder Evander, D.C. United’s Benteke, and teammate Suárez.
This story was originally published December 6, 2024 at 10:00 AM.