Lionel Messi is among finalists for major MLS award

Inter Miami star Lionel Messi was among the finalists for the 2024 Major League Soccer ‘Most Valuable Player’ award, which was his second nomination since he joined the league in July 2023.

The Argentine football legend joined as the ninth finalist for the award alongside his Inter Miami teammate Luis Suárez, according to ESPN, joined by Cucho Hernández of Columbus Crew, Evander of Portland Timbers, and Christian Benteke of DC United. Each of these players reached the new qualifying regulation to have played at least 1,000 minutes in the regular season campaign.

The former 36-year-old Barcelona and PSG, who failed to win the award last term, have been described as this year’s leading candidate with his contribution of 20 goals and 16 assists in just 19 games.

Despite concerns with regards to his lack of participation throughout the 34-match campaign, having played only 55% of the games, teammate Jordi Alba insists that Messi must win MVP.

Messi’s performance in the calendar year of 2024 was great, as he managed to lead his MLS club to capture the Supporters’ Shield by setting a new league-leading mark for most points gained in one season.

He is joined by former Barcelona teammate Suarez, who scored 20 goals and contributed nine assists in 27 matches during his first season from signing in December 2023.

This stellar entrance into professionalism also earned the 37-year-old Uruguayan footballer a finalist slot for the Newcomer of the Year award.