As Major League Soccer gears up for its annual MVP award announcement, the spotlight is once again on Lionel Messi, who has been named a finalist for the 2024 MLS MVP. Accompanying him on this prestigious list are his Inter Miami CF teammate Luis Suárez and formidable players like Cucho Hernández, Evander, and Christian Benteke. This reflects a competitive landscape in which each player has met the newly established criteria of logging at least 1,000 minutes during the regular season. The inclusion of Messi marks his second nomination since his high-profile entry into MLS in July 2023, igniting debates about his influence and contributions to the league.
Despite not clinching the MVP title in his inaugural season, Messi’s performance in 2024 positions him as the front-runner. Over 19 games, he has racked up an impressive 20 goals and provided 16 assists, a testament to his status as a transformative player within the league. However, analysts have voiced concerns regarding his playing time, pointing to his participation in only 55% of Inter Miami’s 34-match campaign. Yet, teammate Jordi Alba was swift to advocate for Messi, affirming that the Argentine should be honored with the MVP award, given his unmatched talent and work ethic. “For me, he’s the best,” said Alba, showcasing the sentiment shared by many of Messi’s colleagues and fans alike.
Alongside Messi, Suárez has also made waves in his first MLS campaign, scoring 20 goals and providing 9 assists in 27 appearances. His seamless transition into the league speaks volumes about his footballing ability and his significant contribution to the team’s overall performance. Together, Messi and Suárez account for a staggering 40 goals out of Inter Miami’s 79 total goals in the season, underscoring the duo’s vital role in the team’s success.
Contrasting their success, Benteke emerged as the leading scorer with 23 goals this season, yet faced disappointment as his D.C. United team failed to qualify for the playoffs. Meanwhile, Evander put forth a noteworthy performance with 15 goals and 19 assists, despite the Portland Timbers’ early exit from postseason contention. Hernández, the reigning MLS Cup MVP, also made a substantial mark for Columbus Crew, tallying 19 goals and 14 assists while driving his team to a strong second place in the Eastern Conference.
The 2024 MLS awards encompass more than just the MVP title. Finalists for the Sigi Schmid MLS Coach of the Year include Chris Armas of the Colorado Rapids, Gerardo “Tata” Martino from Inter Miami, and Wilfried Nancy from the Columbus Crew. The landscape for Newcomer of the Year features Suárez alongside Luca Orellano from FC Cincinnati and Gabriel Pec from the LA Galaxy. On the defensive side, Jordi Alba’s performance has earned him nomination for Defender of the Year, as he competes against Steven Moreira from Columbus Crew and Jackson Ragen of the Seattle Sounders FC.
This array of awards showcases not just individual brilliance but the collaborative nature of soccer, where team dynamics can elevate performances and outcomes. The interdependence shown by these players demonstrates that while star athletes like Messi and Suárez can shine, the foundation laid by solid coaching and teamwork is equally crucial.
Regardless of the outcome, Messi’s candidacy for the MVP is more than just a reflection of his statistics; it symbolizes his impact on Major League Soccer as a whole. His presence has not only attracted fans but has also elevated the league’s profile internationally. With legends of the game converging in MLS, the 2024 season underlines a transformative era, where individual talent coalesces into collective achievements. As fans eagerly await the announcement of the MVP award, the narrative surrounding Messi’s legacy in the league continues to evolve, promising an exciting future for soccer in North America.