New Delhi [India], December 6 (HBTV): Argentina and Inter Miami star Lionel Messi was named the 2024 Landon Donovan Major League Soccer (MLS) Most Valuable Player (MVP) on Friday, earning the prestigious award after a record-breaking debut season.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner secured his first MLS MVP award after scoring 20 goals and providing 16 assists in just 20 regular-season games. His 36 goal contributions marked the fifth-highest single-season total in league history.

With Messi on the pitch, Inter Miami earned a record 74 points, losing only one game while securing 12 wins and six draws. His performances propelled the team to unprecedented success in the regular season.

The Landon Donovan MLS MVP award, presented annually since 1996, recognizes the league’s most valuable player based on votes from players, club technical staff, and media representatives.

Messi became the fifth Argentine to win the award, edging out Columbus Crew forward Cucho Hernandez with 38.43% of the votes compared to Cucho's 33.70%. Messi’s average of 2.18 goal contributions per 90 minutes set a new MLS record.

Despite Inter Miami's dominant regular season, their playoff campaign ended in disappointment following a 2-1 best-of-three series loss to Atlanta United in the first round.

Looking ahead, Messi will return to MLS next season alongside teammates Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suarez. The club also announced that former FC Barcelona player Javier Mascherano will take over as head coach after Tata Martino's departure.   

(ANI)