Lionel Messi has been named Major League Soccer’s most valuable player, marking a significant achievement in his illustrious career.
The Argentine superstar, often hailed as the greatest soccer player in history, received the 2024 MLS MVP award on Friday, just before the MLS Cup, which is the championship match for the top-tier league in the U.S. and Canada.
Despite a surprising early exit in the playoffs for Messi and his talented Inter Miami team, the 37-year-old World Cup champion played a pivotal role in leading Miami to the highest point total in the league’s 29-season history. His season was not without challenges, as he missed three months due to international duties and an ankle injury sustained during the Copa América final, which Argentina won without him. Nevertheless, Messi managed to score 20 goals in just 19 regular-season games for the Herons, with only 15 of those being starts. He also contributed two goals in three playoff matches, though the team fell to Atlanta United.
This season marked Messi’s first complete campaign in MLS after joining midway through the 2023 season, following his captaincy of Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup. His impact was immediate, as he guided Miami to win the inaugural Leagues Cup, a tournament featuring teams from both MLS and Liga MX, Mexico’s premier league. Unfortunately, injuries hampered his performance during the latter part of the domestic season, preventing the Herons from qualifying for the playoffs. Despite these setbacks, Messi secured his record eighth Ballon d’Or award at the end of the year.
Before his move to the United States, Messi spent over 20 years in Europe, starting his journey at La Masia, the renowned youth academy of FC Barcelona. During his time with Barça, he netted nearly 700 goals, helping the club secure 10 La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League trophies before transferring to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021.
Recently, at the draw for the upcoming 32-team FIFA Club World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Messi and Inter Miami found themselves grouped with Palmeiras from Brazil, FC Porto from Portugal, and Egyptian club Al Ahly. The Herons are set to kick off their campaign against Al Ahly on June 15. Messi’s current contract with Miami extends until the end of 2025, but he is anticipated to remain with the club through the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
On Saturday, the LA Galaxy and New York Red Bulls will compete for the 2024 MLS Cup in Carson, California, while the 2025 season is scheduled to begin in February.
