Inter Miami star Lionel Messi crowned 2024 MLS MVP

Inter Miami CF superstar Lionel Messi was named the 2024 Landon Donovan MLS MVP on Friday.

Messi, 37, captained the Herons to their first Supporters' Shield and a league-record 74 points.

The Argentine icon led the MLS with 36 goal contributions (20 goals, 16 assists) in just 19 matches.

Messi received the award during a surprise ceremony in which Inter Miami's academy players lined up in a "MVP" formation to share the news.

"Truly, it is an honor for me to receive this award from all of you," Messi told the players. "It's a source of pride to watch you all train. I'm very happy to be here every day. I'm very happy to be in this city, in this club that is growing. ... It's a pleasure to see you grow day by day. I invite you to keep fighting and striving for your dreams."

Messi joined former MVPs Carlos Vela (2019) and Sebastian Giovinco (2015) as the only players in MLS history with at least 20 goals and 15 assists in a season.

Messi received 38.4 percent of the votes from players, media and club technical staff to finish ahead of Columbus Crew forward Cucho Hernandez with 33.7 percent.

An eight-time Ballon d'Or award winner and three-time FIFA World Player of the Year, Messi has recorded 21 goals and 18 assists in 25 regular-season matches (19 starts) since joining Inter Miami in 2023.

--Field Level Media