Major League Soccer has officially named Lionel Messi as a finalist for the 2024 MLS MVP award, highlighting his significant impact since joining Inter Miami CF in July 2023. Alongside Messi, his teammate Luis Suárez joins the ranks of exceptional athletes including Cucho Hernández, Evander, and Christian Benteke. The criteria for this prestigious acknowledgment now mandates players to log a minimum of 1,000 minutes during the regular season, a requirement that Messi, despite concerns over reduced playtime, has met. His second nomination in as many seasons only reinforces the anticipation surrounding his performance and influence in the league.
Messi’s statistics tell a compelling story. Amidst a campaign in which he featured in only 19 games, the Argentine superstar managed to rack up an impressive tally of 20 goals and 16 assists—an extraordinary contribution that signals his key role in Inter Miami’s successful season. Despite playing in just 55% of the total games, his input has been nothing short of game-changing. His teammate, Jordi Alba, has been vocal about Messi’s worthiness for the MVP title, emphasizing the Argentine’s unrivaled skill and intensity compared to his peers, and suggesting that Messi’s contributions are irrefutable when considering the award.
The Competitive Landscape
Yet, Messi’s journey towards securing the MVP title in 2024 does not come without its competition. Luis Suárez, another prolific attacker for Inter Miami, has also made a name for himself in his debut MLS season, accumulating 20 goals and nine assists over 27 games. Together, they have accounted for 40 out of the team’s 79 goals, underscoring a potent offensive partnership. While Suárez is also contending for MLS Newcomer of the Year, his quick adaptation to the league showcases his ability to thrive alongside established stars like Messi.
On the flip side, other contenders like Benteke, who clinched the Golden Boot with an impressive 23 goals, exemplify the fierce competition. However, the fact that his team, D.C. United, did not qualify for the MLS playoffs could undermine his MVP candidacy. This highlights an interesting dynamic in the MVP discussions—individual achievements are weighed against the overall success of the player’s club. Players like Hern ández and Evander have also demonstrated remarkable performances, but their teams have faced challenges that complicate their MVP narratives.
While individual brilliance often captures headlines, the role of coaching and team dynamics cannot be overlooked in the MVP debate. Inter Miami’s success in lifting the Supporters’ Shield and securing a league record for the highest points total in a single season fundamentally reflects the effectiveness of their management under Gerardo “Tata” Martino. His leadership has empowered players like Messi and Suárez to thrive, and he stands as a finalist for the Sigi Schmid MLS Coach of the Year award alongside Chris Armas and Wilfried Nancy. Such recognition further emphasizes the strategic changes and revitalization of performance within the club.
As the 2024 MLS season draws to a close, the anticipation surrounding the MVP award continues to build. Messi’s second nomination reflects his high-caliber performance, establishing him as the front-runner despite the minutes played. The enthralling narratives of competing players provide a multi-faceted view of what it means to be an MVP—aligning personal achievements with team success. Whether Messi ultimately secures the award or not, the prevailing sentiment is that his influence on the league remains transformative, making every match a spectacle for fans and a testament to his enduring legacy in soccer.