Five percentage points ahead of second place
©IMAGO
Lionel Messi (37) has won another award. The eight-time world footballer was named Major League Soccer’s most valuable player of the 2024 season. He won with 38.43 percent of the vote in an election conducted by professionals, clubs and media representatives. The Colombian attacker Cucho Hernández (25) from the dethroned champions Columbus Crew came in second place with 33.7 percent of the vote.
In honor of the Argentine world champion, 250 young Inter Miami footballers formed the letters MVP; according to the club, his three sons were waiting for their famous father with the trophy. “It fills me with pride to see you training,” said Messi, addressing all the young players: “I’m happy to be here every day.”
Messi has been playing for co-owner David Beckham’s club since last summer. The Argentine led the team, which is now being coached by his long-time companion Javier Mascherano, to win the Supporters’ Shield as the best team in the main round. Messi was one of five players with 30 scorers, but with 19 appearances he played by far the fewest games. Inter Miami was eliminated early from the MLS playoffs. Messi’s contract is valid until the end of 2025, but club bosses are hoping for an extension.