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Lionel Messi wins MLS MVP award, the newest trophy on an extended checklist of honors for the Inter Miami star


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It was a uncommon occasion of Lionel Messi stepping on a soccer subject and having no thought what was occurring.

There they had 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 had been holding a trophy.

That is how Messi realized he was Main League Soccer‘s greatest participant in 2024.

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, aiding on 16 others — for the very best charge per 90 minutes in MLS historical past.

“Really, it’s an honor for me to obtain this award from all of you,” Messi instructed 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.

“Except you’re dwelling on this planet of world soccer, it’s onerous to think about the general attraction and the large recognition 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 evening. “I imply, he’s Michael Jackson assembly Taylor Swift — and he’s taking part in in our league.”

Messi wound up with 38.4% of the common vote, whereas Hernández received 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 Protect and greatest common season document in MLS historical past, plus captained Argentina to a Copa America title. Inter Miami fell in Spherical 1 of the MLS Cup playoffs.

“I’d have preferred to obtain this award in one other scenario, having the ability to play the (MLS Cup) last 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 12 months. It didn’t occur, however subsequent 12 months we’ll come again stronger to strive once more.”

The MLS MVP — named for Landon Donovan — is yet one more entry on the absurdly lengthy checklist of profession honors for Messi. He is an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, eight-time FIFA participant of the 12 months winner, a seven-time Spanish league MVP, previous UEFA participant of the 12 months, 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.

Greatest participant ever? It is powerful to argue. A few of the academy gamers even received 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’ve gotten been my idol since I used to be a toddler and seeing you right here in particular person on daily basis is really unbelievable,” Inter Miami under-19 participant Victor Fung instructed him. “Thanks for giving us so many unforgettable reminiscences … thanks for every thing.”

Messi shocked many within the soccer world when he picked Inter Miami final 12 months, immediately turning the franchise into one of many sport’s greatest manufacturers. Successful the Leagues Cup shortly after Messi arrived gave Inter Miami its first trophy, and his No. 10 jersey has been MLS’ greatest vendor from mainly 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 executed 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 beneath contract by the top of the 2025 season, and Inter Miami has made no secret that it desires him to stay into no 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) evening and I mentioned hello to his children. They appear very comfortable right here. That’s a superb 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 no less than $150 million in whole worth, and his annual MLS wage is greater than some total MLS group payrolls mixed — has labored out to date.

“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.”

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer


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The Unbiased


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Tim Reynolds , 2024-12-06 15:00:00