Argentine football legend Lionel Messi has been named the 2024 Major League Soccer (MLS) Most Valuable Player (MVP) after a remarkable debut season with Inter Miami.
Messi, the former Barcelona and PSG star, scored 20 goals and provided 16 assists in just 19 appearances, despite missing some games due to injury. His incredible performances helped Inter Miami achieve a record-breaking regular season and win the Supporters’ Shield.
The 37-year-old’s MVP win marks the 10th time a South American player has earned the honour and the fifth time for an Argentine. Messi now joins an elite list of Argentine MVPs, including Luciano Acosta, Diego Valeri, Guillermo Barros Schelotto, and Christian Gomez.
Messi joined Inter Miami in July 2023 on a contract that runs until the end of the 2025 MLS season. Although there is no extension option for 2026, Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas is optimistic Messi will stay with the team, especially as the club moves to its new stadium, Miami Freedom Park.
“Messi is under contract through 2025, and we will discuss his future. I believe he will be our No. 10 when we open our new stadium in 2026,” Mas said via ESPN.
Inter Miami is also preparing for the expanded FIFA Club World Cup, where they have been drawn in Group A and will face Egyptian giants Al Ahly.
