Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi celebrates scoring throughout the second half in opposition to the New England Revolution at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US on October 19, 2024. — Reuters
Inter Miami star Lionel Messi landed a spot on the listing of finalists for the 2024 Main League Soccer’s ‘Most Helpful Participant’ (MVP) award, incomes his second nomination for the award since becoming a member of the league in July 2023.
The Argentine soccer legend joined his Inter Miami teammate Luis Suárez on the listing of finalists for the award which additionally included Columbus Crew’s Cucho Hernández, Portland Timbers’ Evander and DC United’s Christian Benteke, ESPN reported.
Every participant met the brand new qualifying laws that require a minimal of 1,000 minutes performed within the common season marketing campaign.
The 36-year-old former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) star didn’t win the award final season however he’s being thought of the main candidate for the award this yr, after contributing 20 targets and 16 assists in simply 19 video games.
Regardless of considerations over his lack of participation all through the 34-match marketing campaign, enjoying solely 55% of video games, teammate Jordi Alba has insisted that Messi should win MVP.
“Regarding Leo, I repeat myself, every time you ask me, I think he deserves all the awards they can give him, I think he is the best player in the world, with a lot of intensity compared to the rest and until he retires,” he stated on Friday.
“I’m sure he’ll win the MVP and if he doesn’t win it, well, it’s no longer anyone’s decision, it’s the people who vote but hey, for me he’s the best.”
Messi’s efficiency in 2024 led his MLS membership to safe the Supporters’ Defend, breaking the league report for many factors in a single season.
Becoming a member of him within the highlight is his former Barcelona teammate, Suarez, who netted 20 targets and offered 9 assists in 27 matches throughout his inaugural MLS marketing campaign after signing in December 2023.
The 37-year-old Uruguayan footballer’s spectacular debut has additionally earned him a spot as a finalist for Newcomer of the Yr award.
Collectively, the dynamic duo has mixed for 40 of the crew’s 79 targets this season.
Moreover, finalists for MLS Newcomer of the Yr embrace FC Cincinnati’s Luca Orellano, LA Galaxy’s Gabriel Pec and Inter Miami’s Suárez.
In the meantime, Inter Miami’s Alba, Columbus Crew’s Steven Moreira and Seattle Sounders’ Jackson Ragen have been named as finalists for Defender of the Yr.
