Lionel Messi Crowned MLS Most Valuable Player.
Argentine football legend Lionel Messi has been named Major League Soccer’s (MLS) Most Valuable Player (MVP), capping off a remarkable debut season with Inter Miami.
The 37-year-old forward, who joined Miami after leaving Paris Saint-Germain, played a pivotal role in transforming the club’s fortunes. Despite injuries limiting him to just 19 regular-season games and two play-off appearances, Messi led the league with an outstanding 36 goal contributions, comprising 20 goals and 16 assists.
Under Messi’s influence, Inter Miami achieved a record points tally during the regular season. However, their campaign ended in disappointment with a first-round exit from the MLS Cup play-offs in November.
The MLS MVP award, officially named the Landon Donovan MLS MVP, is determined through votes by players, club technical staff, and journalists. Messi secured 38.43% of the votes, narrowly beating Columbus Crew’s Cucho Hernández, who garnered 33.7%.
Messi now joins an illustrious list of past winners, including United States legend Landon Donovan, Republic of Ireland’s Robbie Keane, and Spain’s David Villa.
Messi’s impact extends beyond the pitch, with his arrival marking a new era of global attention for the MLS. His ability to deliver exceptional performances, even at 37, reaffirms his status as one of football’s greatest players.
As fans celebrate Messi’s achievements, his MVP award highlights the lasting legacy he continues to build in every league he graces.