NEW YORK, Dec 6, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - Lionel Messi was named Major League
Soccer's Most Valuable Player on Friday after leading Inter Miami to a
record-breaking regular season campaign.

The Argentine superstar was handed the accolade after his performances helped
Miami to a record regular season points tally, earning the club its first
ever Supporters Shield.

The 37-year-old maestro finished the regular season with a league-leading 36
goal contributions after netting 20 goals and 16 assists.

Messi's MVP award comes despite an injury-hit campaign that saw him make only
19 appearances this year.

Miami and Messi's season ultimately fizzled out, when the team suffered a
shock first-round defeat in the MLS Cup playoffs.

Messi is the 10th South American to win the MVP, and the fifth from Argentina
after Luciano Acosta, Diego Valeri, Guillermo Barros Schelotto, and Christian
Gomez.