Lionel Messi was named Major League Soccer’s Most Valuable Player on Friday, following a standout season that saw him lead Inter Miami to a record-breaking regular season campaign.
The Argentine forward earned the prestigious accolade after helping Miami secure a record points total, which earned the club its first-ever Supporters’ Shield.
Despite an injury-plagued season that limited him to just 19 appearances, the 37-year-old Messi finished with an impressive 36 goal contributions—20 goals and 16 assists—leading the league in both categories.
However, Miami’s and Messi’s season ended in disappointment with a shock first-round exit in the MLS Cup playoffs.
Messi’s MVP award makes him the 10th South American player to claim the honor and the fifth from Argentina, joining the ranks of Luciano Acosta, Diego Valeri, Guillermo Barros Schelotto, and Christian Gomez.
AFP
