WASHINGTON, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi added another accolade to his extensive list of career honors on Friday when he was awarded the 2024 MLS Most Valuable Player award.
The Argentine World Cup winner finished ahead of Columbus Crew forward Cucho Hernandez in the vote conducted by players, club technical staff and selected media, the MLS said.
"Truly, it is an honor for me to receive this award from all of you," Messi said during an award ceremony at Inter Miami's Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
Despite missing 15 of Inter Miami's 34 regular season fixtures due to injuries or international commitments, Messi scored 20 goals and provided 16 assists throughout the 2024 season.
Inter Miami finished top of the Eastern Conference standings with a record points tally of 74 but were eliminated by Atlanta United in the first week of the playoffs.
Messi said the Florida outfit would be more motivated than ever for MLS glory in 2025.
"We had a big dream of being MLS champions this year," the 37-year-old said. "It didn't happen, but next year, we'll come back stronger to try again."
Messi's career achievements include a FIFA World Cup, two Copa America trophies, four UEFA Champions League crowns and 12 league titles (10 in Spain and two in France).
His long list of individual achievements are led by eight Ballon d'Or trophies - awarded annually by France Football to the world's best player.
MLS commissioner Don Garber paid tribute to the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-German star.
"Leo, congratulations. On behalf of our entire league, all of our country, and everybody that loves the game here and throughout the world, we're honored to have you in our league," Garber said.
"To have the best player in the world be the best player in Major League Soccer is something that dreams are made of for all of us. All of you kids, we do this for you. This league is here to build something so that one day you can grow up and be like these guys, or you can be like Leo Messi. Congratulations," he added. ■
