The Major League Soccer (MLS) landscape is buzzing with excitement as two superstars, Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, shine brightly as frontrunners for the coveted MVP award. The league’s release of its list of 34 nominees on Monday has set the stage for an intense voting season, which runs until October 21. Joining this elite group are notable players like Lucho Acosta of FC Cincinnati, Cucho Hernández of the Columbus Crew, and Riqui Puig of LA Galaxy. Both Messi and Suárez have met the new qualification requirements, having played a minimum of 1,000 minutes this season, solidifying their places in this year’s MVP race.
Messi’s influence on Inter Miami CF is undeniable. Even after joining the league on July 15, 2023, he has emerged as a formidable contender for the MVP award, earning his second nomination this season. With a remarkable tally of 17 goals and 15 assists in just 18 appearances, Messi has demonstrated efficiency and skill even amid struggles with injuries—most notably a prolonged absence due to a right ankle injury. Not only has he been sidelined, but his commitments to the Argentina national team have further limited his playing time. Nevertheless, he remains tied for fourth in the Golden Boot standings, showcasing an impressive ability to make an impact when he’s on the field.
On the flip side, Luis Suárez is making waves in his inaugural MLS season, contributing significantly to Inter Miami’s success with 18 goals and seven assists across 26 matches. His swift adaptation to MLS soccer has placed him in the prestigious third spot on the Golden Boot leaderboard. Suárez’s synergy with Messi has been a crucial aspect of Inter Miami’s journey this season as they vie for the Supporters’ Shield. Together, they have combined for an astounding 35 of their team’s total 73 goals, emphasizing their effectiveness as a dual threat on the field.
The 2024 season marks a dramatic turnaround for Inter Miami CF. The team, once languishing in the 14th position of the Eastern Conference with just 34 points last season, has not only clinched the Supporters’ Shield but also aims to break the single-season points record. With a scheduled face-off against the New England Revolution on October 19, Inter Miami has the potential to etch their name into league history—recording 74 points, surpassing the previous high of 73 points by the Revolution in 2021. This rise signifies not only individual player success but also a significant shift in team dynamics and performance.
As the team thrives, recognition for Inter Miami extends beyond just Messi and Suárez. The club has also nominated Matías Rojas for MLS Newcomer of the Year, while Federico Redondo and Diego Gómez have been put forward for the Young Player of the Year award. Additionally, Jordi Alba contends for the MLS Defender of the Year, and head coach Gerardo Martino is in the running for the Sigi Schmid MLS Coach of the Year award. This recognition encompasses not only the star talent on the field but also reflects a cohesive team effort that is paying dividends across various aspects of the organization.
With the playoffs approaching, Inter Miami is poised to kick off on October 25 at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. They will face the winner of the Eastern Conference wild card match, fully capitalizing on their home advantage earned through a stellar regular-season performance. The anticipated playoffs set the stage not just for individual accolades but also for a championship run that could confirm Inter Miami’s transformation from underperformers to formidable contenders in MLS.
As the league prepares to announce award winners from October 28 through the week following the MLS Cup, the spotlight shines fiercely on Messi and Suárez. Their unparalleled contributions have redefined scoring in the league and reinvigorated the franchise, making this season one for the history books. Whether they walk away with the MVP trophy or not, their impact will resonate through MLS for years to come, setting a benchmark for future stars in the league.
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