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Inter Miami star Lionel Messi has been named as the 2024 MLS Most Valuable Player, winning the Landon Donovan trophy after a stellar campaign. The 37-year-old was pivotal for the Herons as they reached the playoffs this year, having missed out last year.
Messi received a nomination for the prestigious award after starring for his club despite an injury-hit 2024 season for him. The Argentine great appeared 19 times for the Herons in the MLS in what was his first full season at the club, and he ended up on the losing side only once.
Lionel Messi picked up 38.43 percent of the votes to win the award ahead of Cucho Hernandez of Columbus Crew, who had 33.70 percent of the votes to finish second. Portland Timbers midfielder Evander finished a distant third, with just 9.24 percent of the votes in his favor.
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Despite his injury struggles and Copa America involvement, Lionel Messi managed to rack up 20 goals and 16 assists in 1,485 minutes of action. He joined the duo of Carlos Vela and Sebastian Giovinco in becoming the only MLS players to score 20+ goals and provide 15+ assists in the regular season.
Messi helped his side pick up 74 points in the regular season, breaking the previous record of 73 points set by New England Revolution in 2019. He also helped his side pick up a first-ever Supporters' Shield trophy after they ended the regular season with the best record. On a personal note, the former Barcelona man also became the club's record goalscorer during the regular season.
Lionel Messi has succeeded FC Cincinnati star Luciano Acosta in winning the Landon Donovan award after finishing joint-second behind Christian Benteke for the golden boot. His Inter Miami side did not manage to maintain their regular season success, crashing out of the playoffs at the first hurdle against Atlanta United.
Lionel Messi, Inter Miami learn Club World Cup opponents
Lionel Messi and the Inter Miami team have learned who their adversaries will be at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The draw for the revamped edition of the competition was concluded, with the Herons acting as hosts of the tournament.
Javier Mascherano's side have been drawn in Group A alongside Brazilian outfit Palmeiras, FC Porto, and Al-Ahly of Egypt. Their first game in the competition will take place at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami between the Mascherano's side and Al-Ahly.
The quintet of Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and manager Javier Mascherano have all won the competition in their time with Barcelona. They will be keen to see how far they can go in the competition and possibly win the trophy with Inter Miami.
