Lionel Messi was crowned Major League Soccer’s Most Outstanding Player on Friday after guiding Inter Miami to a milestone-breaking regular season adventure.
The Argentine legend received the recognition after his contributions propelled Miami to a historic regular season points total, securing the club its inaugural Supporters Shield. The 37-year-old virtuoso concluded the regular season with a league-topping 36 goal involvements after netting 20 goals and providing 16 assists.
Messi’s top-player honor comes despite an injury-disrupted campaign that saw him feature in only 19 matches this year. Miami and Messi’s journey ultimately faltered, as the team endured an unexpected first-round loss in the MLS Cup postseason.
Messi is the 10th South American to clinch the MVP, and the fifth from Argentina after Luciano Acosta, Diego Valeri, Guillermo Barros Schelotto, and Christian Gomez. Messi accepted the accolade during a presentation at Inter’s Chase Arena in Fort Lauderdale alongside Miami Academy athletes.
“Honestly, it is a privilege for me to accept this recognition from all of you,” Messi told the Academy athletes in a recording shared on the team’s site. “It’s a source of inspiration to watch you all train. I’m thrilled to be here every day. I’m delighted to be in this city, in this club that is expanding… I encourage you to keep chasing and working toward your aspirations.”
MLS commissioner Don Garber stated Messi introduced an unparalleled level of soccer brilliance to the league, which will wrap up its season on Saturday with the MLS Cup final between LA Galaxy and New York Red Bulls in Los Angeles. “To have the greatest player in the world be the finest player in Major League Soccer is something that aspirations are built on for all of us,” Garber remarked.
