FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — In a unique moment on the soccer field, Lionel Messi found himself surprised and bewildered.


During an event where over 250 academy players from Inter Miami gathered, the young athletes formed the letters “MVP” at midfield while displaying a trophy. It was here that Messi discovered he had been named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of Major League Soccer for 2024.


Despite missing 15 games out of a 34-match regular season due to injuries and commitments to the Argentina national team, Messi has been acknowledged as the league’s top player. He was involved in an impressive total of 36 goals, scoring 20 and assisting on 16, marking the highest goal contribution per 90 minutes in MLS history.


“Receiving this award from all of you is truly an honor,” Messi expressed to the academy players during the trophy presentation.


The voting results for the award were announced on Friday, with Messi narrowly triumphing over Columbus Crew forward Cucho Hernández. The determination of the MVP is based on a survey of players, club staff, and selected media, with Hernández gaining preference from club voters by a small margin. Messi garnered support from 41% of players and 43% of media members, while Hernández received a collective 38.4% of the average vote compared to Messi’s 38.4%. The top five in the voting included Portland Timbers midfielder Evander at 9.2%, D.C. United’s Christian Benteke at 7.1%, and Messi’s teammate Luis Suárez at 2.2%.


This recognition comes at the close of a remarkable 2024 campaign where Messi led Inter Miami to the Supporters Shield, achieving the best regular-season record in MLS history, and also guided Argentina to victory in the Copa America. Unfortunately, Inter Miami’s journey ended in the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs.


“I would have liked to receive this award in a different situation—ideally playing in the MLS Cup final next Saturday,” Messi reflected. “However, football is about challenging yourself every day. Although we had a big dream of becoming MLS champions this year, we will return stronger next year to pursue that goal.”


The MLS MVP, named in honor of Landon Donovan, adds another accolade to Messi’s already extensive collection of achievements. His awards include eight Ballon d’Ors, eight FIFA Player of the Year titles, and seven Spanish league MVPs, among many others.


Dubbed the greatest player of all time by many, Messi had the opportunity to engage with some of the academy players during the presentation. Victor Fung, an under-19 player, shared his admiration: “Hi Leo, you are my MVP because you’ve been my idol since childhood, and seeing you here every day is genuinely incredible. Thank you for all the unforgettable memories.”


Messi’s decision to join Inter Miami last year shocked many in the soccer world but elevated the franchise into one of the sport’s most prominent brands. Winning the Leagues Cup shortly after his arrival marked the team’s first trophy, and his No. 10 jersey quickly became the top seller in MLS.


“It has definitely exceeded my expectations,” commented MLS Commissioner Don Garber, who hopes Messi remains with the league for a long time while expressing satisfaction with the positive impact Messi has had on MLS.


At 37 years old, Messi is contracted with Inter Miami until the conclusion of the 2025 season, with the club publicly stating its desire for him to stay until at least 2026, when they plan to launch a new stadium near Miami International Airport.


“I would love to see Leo in our league indefinitely,” Garber added. “I spoke with his wife and saw his kids the other night. They appear to be genuinely happy here, which is what matters most.”


Regarding the club’s significant investment in Messi—his contract is rumored to be worth at least $150 million—Inter Miami’s managing owner, Jorge Mas, was straightforward when asked about its success thus far.


“Just one word,” Mas stated, perhaps unaware that discussing Messi typically requires more elaboration. “It’s been an incredible journey, and there’s still more to come.”