Football/ Lionel Messi nominated for MLS MVP after Stellar debut season
Lionel Messi, at 37, has been nominated for the MLS Most Valuable Player (MVP) award following an impressive debut season with Inter Miami. Despite his team’s early playoff exit, Messi’s performances solidified his status as a standout in the league, making him the favourite for this prestigious accolade.
Messi was instrumental in Miami’s rise during the regular season, scoring 21 goals and providing 11 assists in just 22 matches, including the playoffs.
While Miami’s playoff journey ended prematurely with a loss to Atlanta United, Messi’s impact on the pitch was undeniable.
However, the Argentine legend narrowly missed out on the Golden Boot, finishing second in regular-season goals with 20, behind Christian Benteke, who netted 23 in 30 games.
Joining Messi on the list of MVP nominees are his close friend and Uruguay teammate Luis Suárez, Brazil’s Evander (Portland Timbers), and Colombian striker Cucho Hernandez (Columbus Crew).
The MLS MVP award has previously recognized players like Luciano Acosta (2023) and Alejandro Pozuelo (2020), but Messi’s nomination sparks a unique question: can a player who joined midseason still dominate enough to claim the league’s top individual honor? For someone of Messi’s caliber, the answer may very well be yes.
