Lionel Messi whereas representing Inter Miami towards New England Revolution in Florida on October 20, 2024. — AFP
NEW YORK: Lionel Messi was named Main League Soccer’s Most Precious Participant on Friday after main Inter Miami to a record-breaking common season marketing campaign.
The Argentine celebrity was handed the accolade after his performances helped Miami to a file common season factors tally, incomes the membership its first ever Supporters Protect.
“Truly, it is an honor for me to receive this award from all of you,” Messi advised the gamers at Inter Miami as quoted by Occasions of India.
“It’s a source of pride to watch you all train. I’m very happy to be here every day. I’m very happy to be in this city, in this club that is growing. […] It’s a pleasure to see you grow day by day. I invite you to keep fighting and striving for your dreams,” he added.
The 37-year-old maestro completed the common season with a league-leading 36 objective contributions after netting 20 objectives and 16 assists.
Messi’s MVP award comes regardless of an injury-hit marketing campaign that noticed him make solely 19 appearances this yr.
Miami and Messi’s season in the end fizzled out, when the workforce suffered a shock first-round defeat within the MLS Cup playoffs.
Messi is the tenth South American to win the MVP, and the fifth from Argentina after Luciano Acosta, Diego Valeri, Guillermo Barros Schelotto, and Christian Gomez.
The soccer star went on to lament that Inter Miami fell brief within the playoff and exited within the first-round by the hands of Atlanta United.
“I would have liked to receive this award in another situation, being able to play on Saturday,” Messi mentioned as quoted by Miami Herald.
“However that’s additionally what futbol is about, overcoming your self daily. We had a giant dream of being MLS champions this yr. It didn’t occur, however subsequent yr we’ll come again stronger to attempt once more […] battle in your goals, work laborious, and in the long run, sacrifice and energy are rewarded,” he added.
Miami was favorite to win the MLS Cup ultimate or a minimum of was favoured to achieve the finals as a substitute the LA Galaxy will play the New York Pink Bulls on Saturday for the title.
