Lionel Messi’s first full season in Major League Soccer (MLS) was nothing short of groundbreaking. The Argentine legend, who joined Inter Miami CF in July 2023, was awarded the prestigious 2024 Landon Donovan MLS MVP title.
This accolade caps off a record-setting campaign in which Messi led Miami to their maiden Supporters’ Shield title and helped the team amass a historic 74 points in the regular season — the highest single-season total in MLS history.
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A Record-Breaking Season
Despite facing injuries and international commitments for Copa América, Messi showcased why he remains one of football’s all-time greats. In just 19 appearances — totaling 1,485 minutes — the superstar contributed to 36 goals, comprising 20 strikes of his own and 16 assists. This exceptional performance ranks as the fifth-highest single-season goal contribution tally in MLS history.
His impact was immediate and decisive. Messi’s league-record 2.18 goal contributions per 90 minutes underlines his ability to influence matches like no other player. Remarkably, he scored or assisted in 15 of his 19 outings and delivered multiple goal contributions on 11 occasions, a testament to his consistent brilliance.
Transforming Inter Miami CF
Before Messi’s arrival, Inter Miami had struggled to find its footing. However, with the Argentine maestro pulling the strings, the team evolved into a powerhouse. Miami’s record with Messi in the lineup was an impressive 12W-1L-6D. The team’s offensive output soared, averaging 2.68 goals per game when he played.
Miami also made league history, becoming the first MLS club to secure at least 11 wins both at home and on the road in a single season (excluding the shootout era). This remarkable turnaround further highlights the transformative impact Messi had on the club, not just as a player but also as a leader.
Joining an Elite Group
Messi’s stellar 2024 campaign places him alongside some of MLS’s finest. He became just the third player in league history to achieve at least 20 goals and 15 assists in a single season, joining Carlos Vela (2019, LAFC) and Sebastian Giovinco (2015, Toronto FC).
This remarkable feat underscores Messi’s dual threat as both a prolific scorer and a playmaker. His ability to dictate games with his vision, technical skill, and decision-making made him an unstoppable force throughout the season.
MVP Voting Results
The Landon Donovan MLS MVP award, named after one of the league’s most iconic figures, has been presented annually since 1996. Determined by votes from players, club staff, and media members, the award recognizes the individual deemed most valuable to their team.
Messi secured 38.43% of the total vote, finishing ahead of Columbus Crew’s Cucho Hernández, who received 33.70%. The voting breakdown revealed Messi’s dominance across all categories:
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
- Players: 40.83%
- Media: 43.20%
- Clubs: 31.25%
Cucho Hernández (Columbus Crew)
- Players: 29.59%
- Media: 34.00%
- Clubs: 37.50%
Other contenders included Evander (Portland Timbers), Christian Benteke (D.C. United), and Messi’s Inter Miami teammate Luis Suárez.uárez (Inter Miami).
Fifth Argentine MVP
With this award, Messi becomes the fifth Argentine to win the MLS MVP title. This achievement further cements the strong influence of Argentine players in MLS, following in the footsteps of previous winners like Guillermo Barros Schelotto (2008) and Sebastián Giovinco (2015).
For Messi, this honor arrives during his first full MLS season, a period in which he not only adapted seamlessly to the league but elevated its global profile.
The Legacy of Landon Donovan MVP Award
The Landon Donovan MLS MVP award is one of the league’s most prestigious honors. Past winners include Luciano Acosta (2023), Hany Mukhtar (2022), and Carles Gil (2021), all of whom set high standards for performance and consistency. Messi’s inclusion in this elite group adds another chapter to the legacy of the award, which has been a hallmark of excellence since its inception.
The Messi Effect: Beyond Statistics
Lionel Messi’s contributions to MLS go beyond numbers. His arrival in the league has significantly boosted its global appeal, drawing attention from fans and media worldwide. On the pitch, his ability to raise the level of his teammates has been evident. Miami’s meteoric rise from mediocrity to dominance can largely be attributed to Messi’s presence, leadership, and skill.
Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham summarized Messi’s impact perfectly: “Lionel’s influence on this league is profound. He has not just changed the way we play but also how the world sees MLS.”
FAQs
What achievements earned Lionel Messi the 2024 Landon Donovan MLS MVP award?
Messi captained Inter Miami to their first-ever Supporters’ Shield and the highest single-season points record (74). He registered 36 goal contributions (20 goals, 16 assists) in just 19 matches, achieving an MLS-record 2.18 goal contributions per 90 minutes.
How did Messi perform compared to other players in MLS history?
Messi is the third player to achieve 20 goals and 15 assists in a single season, joining Carlos Vela and Sebastian Giovinco. His contributions rank fifth-highest in league history despite limited appearances.
How dominant was Messi in MVP voting?
Messi received 38.43% of the total vote, finishing ahead of Cucho Hernández (33.70%). He led in votes from players (40.83%) and media (43.20%).
What impact did Messi have on Inter Miami’s performance?
With Messi in the lineup, Miami posted a 12W-1L-6D record and averaged 2.68 goals per game. They became the first team to secure 11 home and away wins in a single season (excluding the shootout era).
How does Messi’s MVP win compare to previous winners?
Messi is the fifth Argentine to win the award and joins a prestigious list of past MVPs, including Guillermo Barros Schelotto and Sebastián Giovinco. This honor marks a historic milestone in Messi’s first full MLS season.
