KATHMANDU World-famous Argentine footballer Lionel Messi has won the ‘Most Valuable Player’ award of Major League Soccer (MLS). Messi, who won the ‘Supporters’ Shield’ title for the first time with Inter Miami, has been named MLS MVP for 2024.
Former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) striker Messi led Miami to a record points table in the regular season. Miami finished the season in first place with 74 points. But they were defeated in the first round of the playoffs.
Messi scored 20 goals and provided 16 assists in 19 games for the club this season. Messi is the first in Miami’s history to win the most prestigious individual award in MLS. The winner of this award, which is given to players who play an important role in the league, is chosen by journalists, players and technical staff.
Messi won the award, beating Columbus Crew’s Chucho Hernandez. The 37-year-old Messi received 38.43 percent of the votes, while Chucho received 33.7 percent. Miami teammate Luis Suarez, Portland Timbers midfielder Evander and DC United’s Christian Benteke were also in the running. World Cup winner Messi is an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.