Lionel Messi has made headlines yet again, this time for his remarkable achievement in Major League Soccer (MLS). On an eventful Friday, he was honored with the prestigious Landon Donovan MVP Award for the 2024 season. This accolade places him among the elite in the sport, as he outperformed notable contenders such as Cucho Hernández of the Columbus Crew, Evander from the Portland Timbers, Christian Benteke from D.C. United, and fellow teammate Luis Suárez of Inter Miami.
A Statistical Marvel in Limited Time
Messi’s performance this season has been nothing short of extraordinary. Despite only participating in 19 matches, he racked up an impressive tally of 20 goals and provided 16 assists. This feat places him in an exclusive club alongside Carlos Vela and Sebastian Giovinco, both of whom had memorable seasons with their respective clubs. Messi’s ability to make such a significant impact in a reduced time frame is a testament to his exceptional talent and skill on the field. The voting process for the MVP award, which includes input from players, technical staff, and select media members, revealed that Messi secured 38.43% of the vote, narrowly defeating Benteke at 33.70%.
As a club newcomer who joined Inter Miami in July 2023, Messi’s influence was felt almost immediately. MLS Commissioner Don Garber’s announcement of the award came in a heartwarming video, nestled among the enthusiasm of Inter Miami Academy students and Messi’s own children. During his acceptance, Messi expressed his delight in being part of a flourishing club and urged young players to pursue their ambitions with tenacity and dedication.
An interesting aspect of Messi’s season was his ability to excel despite spending a significant amount of time on the sidelines due to an ankle injury he sustained during the Copa América final. Between June 1 and September 14, he was unavailable for 62 days, yet Inter Miami managed to shine in his absence, winning eight of nine matches. This points not only to the depth of the squad but also to Messi’s impactful presence when he was on the pitch.
To qualify for the MVP award, a player must contribute significantly on the field, typically requiring at least 1,000 minutes in regular-season play. Messi certainly exceeded this requirement, amassing a staggering average of 2.18 goal contributions per match. Given this statistic, it was clear that every minute he spent on the field was maximized, reinforcing his reputation as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
The Accumulation of Achievements
Messi’s remarkable season adds yet another accolade to a career filled with an exorbitant number of accolades. He claims the title of an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and has dominated various league-based awards throughout his career. His influence goes beyond individual honors; his presence elevates the profile of the league itself. Garber famously likened Messi’s cultural significance to that of global icons Michael Jackson and Taylor Swift, suggesting that the impact of his presence in the MLS resonates far beyond the sport.
The fruits of Messi’s labor were evident as Inter Miami garnered the Supporters’ Shield and established a new single-season points record with 74 points. Despite this success, disappointment loomed over the team when they fell to Atlanta United in the early rounds of the playoffs. The early exit from the postseason encapsulated the unpredictable nature of sports where, despite a stellar regular season, fortunes can quickly change.
Following the team’s unexpected playoff exit, Inter Miami experienced a shift in leadership as head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino stepped down for personal reasons. Messi’s former teammate, Javier Mascherano, was appointed to replace him. This decision marks a pivotal moment in the club’s trajectory, as they seek to capitalize on Messi’s skills and elevate their performance under new guidance.
As the MLS Cup final approaches, with the LA Galaxy facing the New York Red Bulls, Messi’s impact continues to resonate, and fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter in his storied career. The legacy Messi is building in MLS not only reflects his individual greatness but also signifies a transformative period for soccer in the United States, further integrating the sport into the cultural fabric of the nation. Overall, Messi’s journey in MLS showcases not only his tenacity and expertise but also serves as an inspiration for future generations of players.
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