Lionel Messi was named the 2024 Landon Donovan MLS MVP, capping a season in which he captained Inter Miami CF en route to its first-ever Supporters’ Shield title and MLS single-season points record (74).

Messi led the MLS with 36 goal contributions (20g/16a), the fifth-highest single-season total in league history, although he only appeared in 19 games (1,485 minutes) due to injuries and appearances in the Copa América.

Additionally, the Argentine icon averaged an MLS record 2.18 goal involvements per 90 minutes. He also scored a goal or provided an assist in 15 of his 19 appearances and contributed multiple goals 11 times.

Miami lost only one game with Messi in the lineup during the regular season, with 12 wins, 1 loss, 6 losses and an average of 2.68 goals scored per game. Additionally, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner helped Miami become the first team to record at least 11 home and away wins (excluding the Shootout Era).

In 2024, Messi joined former MVPs Carlos Vela (2019 LAFC) and Sebastian Giovinco (2015 Toronto FC) as the only players in MLS history with at least 20 goals and 15 assists in a single season.

Since 1996, the Landon Donovan MLS MVP Award has been presented to the individual determined to be the most valuable player for his club through a survey of players, club technical staff and media.

Messi is the fifth Argentine to be named MLS MVP, beating Columbus Crew forward Cucho Hernández this year. This recognition comes during his first full MLS season when he moved to Miami in July 2023.

• 2024: Lionel Messi – Inter Miami CF
• 2023: Luciano Acosta – FC Cincinnati
• 2022: Hany Mukhtar – Nashville SC
• 2021: Carles Gil – New England Revolution
• 2020: Alejandro Pozuelo – Toronto FC
• 2019: Carlos Vela – Los Angeles Football Club
• 2018: Josef Martinez – Atlanta United FC
• 2017: Diego Valeri – Portland Timbers
• 2016: David Villa – New York City FC
• 2015: Sebastian Giovinco – Toronto FC
• 2014: Robbie Keane – LA Galaxy
• 2013: Mike Magee – Chicago Fire
• 2012: Chris Wondolowski – San Jose earthquake
• 2011: Dwayne De Rosario – DC United
• 2010: David Ferreira – FC Dallas
• 2009: Landon Donovan – LA Galaxy
• 2008: Guillermo Barros Schelotto – Columbus Crew
• 2007: Luciano Emilio – DC United
• 2006: Christian Gomez – DC United
• 2005: Taylor Twellman – New England Revolution
• 2004: Amado Guevara – MetroStars
• 2003: Preki – Kansas City Wizards
• 2002: Carlos Ruiz – LA Galaxy
• 2001: Alex Pineda Chacon – Miami Fusion
• 2000: Tony Meola – Kansas City Wizards
• 1999: Jason Kreis – Dallas Burn
• 1998: Marco Etcheverry – DC United
• 1997: Preki-Kansas City Wizards
• 1996: Carlos Valderrama – Tampa Bay Mutiny