Lionel Messi was honored as the 2024 Landon Donovan MLS Most Valuable Player on Friday, capping off his first full season with Inter Miami. The Argentine forward, who joined the league as a free agent in July last year, had an outstanding season, scoring 20 goals and providing 16 assists in just 19 games. His contributions were instrumental in helping Inter Miami secure their first-ever Supporters’ Shield as the top club at the end of the regular season.

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Messi’s impressive performance also helped the team set a league record with 74 points, finishing atop the Eastern Conference standings. However, despite their success, Inter Miami could not clinch their maiden MLS title, suffering a surprising defeat to Atlanta United in the first round of the playoffs.

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“I would have liked to receive this award in another situation, being able to play the final on Saturday,” Messi remarked during the MVP ceremony. He expressed disappointment but remained optimistic, stating, “We had a big dream of being MLS champions this year. It didn’t happen, but next year we’ll come back stronger to try again.”

Messi, widely celebrated for his remarkable 17-season tenure with FC Barcelona, continues to make a significant impact in Major League Soccer.