MLS
Messi 2024 MLS MVP: a look at the breakdown of votes
Messi polled more votes than Cucho Hernández, Evander, Christian Benteke and Luis Suárez. Let’s look at the numbers.
Inter Miami had hoped for a happier end to their season - the campaign ended in the first playoff with defeat to Atlanta United in the best-of-three series. But overall, there was no more decisive player in the league than Lionel Messi, who takes home the 2024 MLS MVP award after another impressive display during his second year with the Fort Lauderdale outfit.
Messi in double figures for 2024
With 21 goals and 11 assists in 22 games for Inter Miami between the regular season and MLS playoffs, Messi earned the award for best player of the season in American soccer, beating the likes of Columbus Crew’s Cucho Hernández, Portland Timbers' Golden Boot winner Evander, DC United’s Christian Benteke and club teammate Luis Suárez.
“It’s an honor for me to receive this award from all of you. It makes me feel proud to watch you train. I’m very happy to be in this city, at a club that is growing. I invite you to keep fighting and battling for your dreams,” said Messi in the video posted by Inter Miami, where the Argentine star is seen being congratulated by the franchise’s youth team players.
This is how the votes were for Messi to win the MLS MVP of the season
- Messi | Player vote: 40.83% | Media vote: 43.20% | Team vote: 31.25% | Average: 38.43%
- Cucho Hernández | Player vote: 29.59% | Media vote: 34.00% | Team vote: 37.50% | Average: 33.70%
- Evander | Player vote: 6.51% | Media vote: 5.60% | Team vote: 15.63% | Average: 9.24%
- Benteke | Player vote: 5.92% | Media vote: 6.00% | Team vote: 9.38% | Average: 7.10%
- Luis Suárez | Player vote: 1.78% | Media vote: 1.60% | Team vote: 3.13% | Average: 2.17%
“The best in history, the best in MLS”, the American league posted, with reference to the top player of the past year.
Messi’s Miami end the 2024 season having lifted the Supporters Shield - the trophy given to the team that finishes the regular season with the most points.
Tata Martino’s team completed the regular season with 74 points, a new league record, beating the previous best set by the New England Revolution a couple of years ago.