"2023 Ballon d'Or vibes"; "He doesn't deserve it" - Fans react as Lionel Messi named 2024 MLS MVP
Football fans were left bemused after Lionel Messi won the MLS MVP award. The Argentine forward was in exceptional form for Inter Miami this season, registering 23 goals and 13 assists from 25 games.
The 37-year-old's efforts helped the Herons finish at the top of the Eastern Conference League and win the Supporters' Shield. Miami, understandably, were the favorites for the MLS Cup but failed to get past Atlanta United in Round One of the Playoffs.
Despite faltering in the MLS Cup, Lionel Messi was adjudged the best player of the league for the 2024 season. Fans immediately took to social media to express their opinion on the matter. One compared it to the Ballon d'Or 2023 result, commenting:
"2023 Ballon d'or vibes."
Another added that the Argentinean didn't deserve the win, stating:
"Rigged again.....he doesn't deserve it."
Another quipped:
"Lolz, Messi is not beating this allegation."
One fan insisted that Lionel Messi is being favored by FIFA, posting:
"Fifa darling boy."
Another added:
"What a joke."
The Argentinean joined Inter Miami in the summer of 2023 after the expiry of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). La Pulga was briefly linked with a return to Barcelona, while there was huge interest in his services from the Middle East.
However, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner opted to move to the MLS instead. He has enjoyed an impressive run with the Herons so far, and also won the Leagues Cup last season.
Lionel Messi yet to extend his stay with Inter Miami
Lionel Messi's contract with Inter Miami expires at the end of next season and he hasn't signed a new deal yet. The Argentinean is the club's all-time top scorer, with 34 goals and 18 assists from 39 games across competitions.
Speaking recently, Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas remained optimistic that the player will sign a new deal.
"As I said before, I'm very confident that he'll be opening our new stadium in '26. I'll be sitting with Leo, you know, now at some point in the offseason. And I'm optimistic that as long as Leo's health holds up, that we'll be seeing him in pink," said Mas (via talkSPORT).