While almost every season of Lionel Messi’s glittering career has been a successful one 2024 with Inter Miami has certainly proved fruitful.
Despite the Herons ‘failure’ in the playoff against Atlanta, it has still been a strong year on a personal level for the record-holding Ballon d’Or winner.
Messi played a key part in helping Inter Miami secure their first-ever Supporters Shield which saw them break a regular season points record of 74, he also finished as the joint-second top goalscorer in the MLS with 20, alongside teammate Luis Suarez.
While Messi did not manage to defend his FIFA The Best award for a third season in a row it was safe to say that he certainly had some history-making moments in 2024.
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MLS MVP win
Breaking records is just something that the midfield maestro does and he was at it again in 2024.
Messi became the first person to be awarded the MLS MVP whilst playing for Inter Miami. While some MLS fans were upset by the award former US soccer star Alexei Lalas defended the decision to award Messi the prize.
Messi narrowly pipped Colombus Crews Cucho Hernandez to the award in which he received 38.43% of the vote.
Upon receiving his award at Chase Stadium, Messi said: “I’m very happy to be here every day. I’m very happy to be in this city, in this club that is growing. I would have liked to have received this award in another situation, being able to play the final next Saturday. But that is also what football is about, overcoming yourself every day.”
The MVP win helped Messi extend his record over long-term football rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
Five assists in one game
When you think there are very few records for Messi left to break he goes and smashes another one.
The Argentine was a thorn in the side of every MLS opponent that Inter Miami faced in 2025, especially the New York Red Bulls.
On May 5th Messi helped himself to no fewer than five assists against the Red Bulls in a 6-2 victory. This achievement meant that he became the first player in MLS history to register five assists in a single game.
To add to the Red Bulls’ pain he also scored the goal he didn’t assist, talk about causing headaches for an opposition.
You can see why Chelea’s Cole Palmer recently called Messi ‘the best’, although maybe the Red Bulls would be calling him something else.
Messi’s 2024 MLS Numbers
- Appearances: 19
- Goals: 20
- Assists: 10
- Win Percentage: 63%
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Messi’s 2025 promise
With 2025 just around the corner Messi is already looking at what he can do to make it a better year for the Herons.
Messi was left angered following the Atlanta defeat and used his MLS MVP-winning speech to unselfishly promise better for the Inter Miami fans in 2025.
He said: “We had a big dream of being MLS champions this year. It didn’t happen, but next year we’ll come back stronger to try again.”
The star is also hoping to start 2025 off with a bang on a personal level. Messi could potentially win the King of America award for the first time, he would make MLS history once more if he scooped the crown.
Inter Miami fans, players and coaches will all be hoping that Messi puts pen to paper on a new deal which is currently set to expire at the end of 2025.
While it remains uncertain if his future remains at Miami beyond 2025 he will certainly be raring ahead of the new season in which Inter Miami hosts New York City FC in the opening game.