"It didn’t happen" - Lionel Messi sends message to Inter Miami fans after being named MLS MVP of the season
Argentine superstar Lionel Messi sent a message to the Inter Miami fans after being named the most valuable player (MVP) of the 2024 MLS season. The 37-year-old expressed regret after the Herons missed out on their 'big dream' of becoming league champions, but reiterated that they will come back 'stronger'.
Messi finished the MLS regular season with 20 goals and 16 assists (third-best in each category) in just 19 appearances (stats via mlssoccer.com). His 36 goal contributions were by far the best for any player in the division.
He led Miami to the best regular-season record in the history of the MLS, amassing 74 points in 34 games. The Herons also had the third-most wins (22) and the second-most goals scored (79) by any team in the history of the competition.
With a record-breaking campaign, Miami were eyeing another piece of history in the MLS playoffs. Taking on Atlanta United, who had to beat Montreal on penalties in the play-in game to make the knockouts, the Floridian side won 2-1 in Game 1 of the best-of-three Round 1 series.
However, they lost Games 2 and 3, 1-2 and 2-3 respectively to bow out in the opening round. While they were knocked out, Messi's individual performances were enough to earn him the MVP title, which was presented to him on December 6.
Speaking after being handed the award, the 37-year-old forward said (via Inter Miami News):
"I'm very happy to be here every day. I'm very happy to be in this city, in this club that is growing. I would have liked to have received this award in another situation, being able to play the final next Saturday. But that is also what football 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."
"I'm very confident" - Inter Miami executive opens up about Lionel Messi's potential contract extension
Inter Miami are confident that they can get Argentine maestro Lionel Messi to sign a contract extension at the club. The legendary forward's contract is set to expire at the end of the 2025 campaign, with no reports of negotiations over a potential contract extension yet.
Speaking to GiveMeSport at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup draw, Inter Miami's managing owner Jorge Mas expressed his confidence about reaching an agreement with Messi. The American executive said that he can envision the 37-year-old attacker inaugurating the Herons' new stadium, the Miami Freedom Park, in 2026.
He said:
"I'm very confident he'll be opening our new stadium in 2026. I'll be sitting with Leo at some point in the offseason. I'm optimistic that as long as Leo's health holds up, we'll be seeing him in pink."
GiveMeSport sources have also been told that Messi is likely to return to Catalan side Barcelona towards the end of his career. The Argentine icon spent 17 years at the club, and is believed to be open to the idea of returning in a non-footballing capacity.