Lionel Messi's incredible record comes to light after his 2024 MLS MVP win
Lionel Messi created history on Wednesday (December 4) after he was named the MLS MVP for the 2024 season. The Argentinean is now the only player in the history of the beautiful game to be named the league MVP on 10 occasions.
La Pulga also won the LaLiga MVP award nine times during his time with Barcelona. After successful stints with the Catalans and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Lionel Messi made the trip across the Atlantic to join Inter Miami in the summer of 2023.
His arrival in the MLS took the country by storm, with the American league grabbing headlines across the globe. The 37-year-old enjoyed a decent debut campaign with the Herons, helping them win the first trophy in their history, the Leagues Cup.
Messi missed quite a few games this season due to injuries and his commitment to his national team. However, the Argentinean still guided Inter Miami to a record points total (74) in the regular season.
His 2.18 goal contributions per 90 minutes this season is a record in the MLS. Lionel Messi was adjudged the Player of the Month on two occasions this season and won the Player of the Week six times.
He is the first Inter Miami player to win the prestigious MLS MVP Award and the fifth Argentinean to do so. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner received 38.4% votes, finishing ahead of Columbus Crew's Cucho Hernandez who received 33.7% of the votes.
How many goals has Lionel Messi scored this season for Inter Miami?
Lionel Messi scored 23 goals and set up 13 more from 25 games this season, including 20 goals and 10 assists from just 19 games in the league. The Argentinean was handed the award by MLS Commissioner Don Garber at the Chase Stadium on Wednesday night. Around 250 Inter Miami youth players - including his three sons - were present at the occasion.
Speaking after receiving the award, La Pulga insisted that the team will go all out for the MLS Cup next season.
“I would have liked to receive this award in another situation, being able to play in the [MLS Cup] final on Saturday. But that’s also what fútbol is about, overcoming yourself every day,” said Messi (via USA Today).
He continued:
“We had a big dream of being MLS champions this year. It didn’t happen. But next year, we’ll come back stronger and try again. That’s what it’s all about.”
Messi's contract with Inter Miami expires in December 2025.