MLS
Lionel Messi makes history with another individual award at Inter Miami
Lionel Messi continued his dominance of MLS, winning MVP for the season.
Lionel Messi continues to write his name into the history books at Inter Miami and in MLS, picking up another award with the Herons.
The World Cup winner scooped up the Landon Donovan MLS MVP Award for 2024 after a season that saw him lead his side to unprecedented success.
How many individual awards has Lionel Messi won?
The trophy will sit on the fireplace at his house alongside a plethora of individual accolades, including 8 Ballons d’Or, 1 FIFA World Player of the Year, 3 The Best awards, 6 European Golden Shoes, 2 Laureus World Sports awards, 8 Pichichis (top scorer), 9 LaLiga MVPs, 6 Champions League top scorers, 1 FIFA FifPro award, 2 World Cup Golden Balls, 2 UEFA Men’s Player of the Year, 1 Golden Boy, 2 MVPs at the Copa América, 4 Onzes d’Or and 1 Bravo award.
“I would have liked to receive this award in another situation, being able to play the final next Saturday”, Messi said. “But that’s 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. That’s what it’s all about, and especially now that you’re young. Fight for your dreams, work hard, and fight for what you want. In the end, sacrifice and effort are rewarded.”
The MLS MVP award is a new one for Messi, who was pipped to the post last season by FC Cincinnati’s Luciano Acosta.
Despite only playing a total of 19 games, mainly due to injury, Messi managed to score 20 goals and get 10 assists in the league. He played 3 CONCACAF Champions Cup games, scoring and assisting twice.
He won the Eastern Conference and Supporters' Shield with his side before getting 1 goal and 1 assist in the MLS Cup Playoffs, where Inter Miami ultimately fell to Atlanta United. His next challenge will be the FIFA Club World Cup, where he has been drawn in a favourable group.