FILE – Inter Miami ahead Lionel Messi runs after scoring towards Orlando Metropolis in the course of the second half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, March 2, 2024, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (AP Photograph/Rebecca Blackwell, File)
FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida — It was a uncommon occasion of Lionel Messi stepping on a soccer subject and having no concept what was taking place.
There they have been, greater than 250 Inter Miami academy gamers, a slew of children lined up at midfield in a formation that spelled out three letters: MVP. And when Messi noticed his youngsters, he realized they have been holding a trophy.
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That’s how Messi discovered he was Main League Soccer’s greatest participant in 2024.
READ: Lionel Messi bounced from MLS playoffs however league feels the increase
Messi is the MLS MVP, even after a season the place he missed 15 of Inter Miami’s 34 regular-season matches with accidents or commitments to Argentina’s nationwide group. He factored right into a league-high 36 objectives — scoring 20, helping on 16 others — for the very best price per 90 minutes in MLS historical past.
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“Actually, it’s an honor for me to obtain this award from all of you,” Messi advised the academy gamers.
MLS revealed the voting outcomes Friday. Messi edged out Columbus Crew ahead Cucho Hernández for the award, which is decided by a ballot of gamers, membership technical workers and choose media members. The membership voters most well-liked Hernández over Messi by a slight margin; Messi was the selection of 41% of gamers and 43% of media.
“Until you’re dwelling on this planet of worldwide soccer, it’s arduous to think about the general attraction and the large reputation and stardom that Leo Messi has,” mentioned MLS Commissioner Don Garber, who was additionally at Inter Miami’s stadium for the shock MVP presentation that occurred Wednesday night time. “I imply, he’s Michael Jackson assembly Taylor Swift — and he’s enjoying in our league.”
Inter Miami CF ahead Lionel Messi (10) celebrates scoring in the course of the second half towards the New England Revolutionat Chase Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Wealthy Storry-Imagn Pictures TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Messi wound up with 38.4% of the common vote, whereas Hernández acquired 33.7%. Portland Timbers midfielder Evander (9.2%), D.C. United’s Christian Benteke (7.1%), and Messi’s Inter Miami teammate Luis Suárez (2.2%) rounded out the highest 5 within the voting.
Messi’s win capped a 2024 marketing campaign the place he led Inter Miami to the Supporters Defend and greatest common season file in MLS historical past, plus captained Argentina to a Copa America title. Inter Miami fell in Spherical 1 of the MLS Cup playoffs.
READ: Lionel Messi earned greater than 22 different MLS groups payrolls in 2024
“I’d have favored to obtain this award in one other scenario, with the ability to play the (MLS Cup) ultimate subsequent Saturday,” Messi mentioned. “However that’s additionally what soccer is about, overcoming your self on daily basis. We had a giant dream of being MLS champions this yr. It didn’t occur, however subsequent yr we’ll come again stronger to attempt once more.”
The MLS MVP — named for Landon Donovan — is one more entry on the absurdly lengthy checklist of profession honors for Messi. He’s an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, eight-time FIFA participant of the yr winner, a seven-time Spanish league MVP, previous UEFA participant of the yr, previous Champions League participant of the season, World Cup golden ball winner, Membership World Cup golden ball winner, and the checklist goes on and on and on from there.
Finest participant ever? It’s powerful to argue. A number of the academy gamers even acquired to handle Messi on the trophy presentation, telling him why he’s their MVP.
“Hello Leo, you might be my MVP as a result of you have got been my idol since I used to be a baby and seeing you right here in particular person on daily basis is actually unimaginable,” Inter Miami under-19 participant Victor Fung advised him. “Thanks for giving us so many unforgettable reminiscences … thanks for every little thing.”
READ: Lionel Messi says Inter Miami can be ‘my final membership’
Messi surprised many within the soccer world when he picked Inter Miami final yr, immediately turning the franchise into one of many sport’s largest manufacturers. Profitable the Leagues Cup shortly after Messi arrived gave Inter Miami its first trophy, and his No. 10 jersey has been MLS’ largest vendor from principally the second that probably the most adorned participant ever picked Miami.
“I’ll say it exceeded my expectations,” Garber mentioned. “I really like what it’s finished for MLS and I hope Leo stays wholesome and goes to be within the league for a very long time.”
The 37-year-old Messi is underneath contract by the top of the 2025 season, and Inter Miami has made no secret that it desires him to stay into not less than 2026 — when the membership plans to open a brand new stadium close to Miami Worldwide Airport.
“I’d like to see Leo be part of our league for the remainder of time,” Garber mentioned. “I chatted along with his spouse (Wednesday) night time and I mentioned hello to his youngsters. They appear very comfortable right here. That’s an excellent factor. To see a participant and their household really comfortable is what it’s all about.”
Inter Miami managing proprietor Jorge Mas was requested this week how he feels concerning the membership’s unprecedented funding — Messi’s contract with the group is value not less than $150 million in complete worth, and his annual MLS wage is greater than some complete MLS group payrolls mixed — has labored out up to now.
“Only one phrase,” Mas mentioned, maybe briefly unaware that describing something about Messi tends to require a couple of phrase. “It’s been a tremendous run and there’s extra to come back.”
