“Even though he wasn’t my MVP” - USMNT legend Alexi Lalas gives honest opinion on Lionel Messi’s MVP triumph

USMNT legend Alexi Lalas has shared his honest opinion about Lionel Messi winning the MVP award for the 2024 MLS season. The Inter Miami captain was one of their most important players, helping the former MLS minnows win the Supporters' Shield in 2024.

Messi endured an injury during Copa America, which kept him out for about three months. However, he returned to the pitch to continue his brilliant form, completing the season with 23 goals and 13 assists in 25 appearances for Inter Miami.

While he did not score the most goals, create the most assists, or lead the Herons to MLS Cup glory, he was awarded the MVP of the season. While this has raised questions in different quarters, pundit Alexi Lalas believes it is deserved. He admitted that there were no issues, despite Lionel Messi not being his personal pick, telling State of the Union (via Inter Miami News):

“Messi being MVP, even though he wasn’t my MVP, I have no problem [with this outcome]. What he did, even in a limited amount of time, shows that he’s still not only the MVP and justifiably the MVP of MLS, but one of the great players still playing in the game.”

Indeed, Lionel Messi showed up to Inter Miami in the summer of 2023 and helped them win their first-ever trophy - the Leagues' Cup. He has since led them to win the Supporters' Shield, and next season, they will look to win the MLS Cup.

---

Lionel Messi speaks about talented Barca teenager

Lionel Messi has spoken about talented Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal, who has taken Spain by storm since his emergence as a 16-year-old. He has already broken into the national team, winning Euro 2024 as a 17-year-old, and he is widely recognized as Messi's potential successor at Camp Nou.

Messi has shared his thoughts on the winger, telling Mundo Deportivo during an Adidas event (via Football Espana):

“There is a very good generation of young footballers who have many years ahead of them. If I have to stay with someone, because of their age and their future, I have heard that they have chosen Lamine Yamal and certainly for me too. Agree.

"It depends on him and many things because that’s football, but it’s present and without a doubt it has a huge future.”

This season, Lamine Yamal has been in remarkable form for Barcelona, scoring six goals and providing 12 assists in just 20 appearances. The exciting forward will hope he can take on Lionel Messi's mantle in Catalonia.