Lionel Messi insisted Inter Miami will “come back stronger” next season after clinching the MLS MVP award for the 2024 season.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner was given the accolade after leading the Herons to their first Supporters' Shield title with a record 74 points.
Messi registered 32 direct goals along the way (21 goals, 11 assists), but the season ultimately ended in disappointment for Miami, who were stunned by Atlanta United in the first round of the Eastern Conference play-offs.
But the Argentina captain vowed he and his teammates will bounce back in 2025 under new head coach – and former club and international colleague – Javier Mascherano.
“I would have liked to receive this award in a different situation, because I… [MLS Cup] next Saturday the final,” Messi told Miami's youth academy players during a special ceremony at Chase Stadium.
“But that's also what football is about: overcoming yourself every day. We had a big dream to become MLS champions this year. That didn't happen, but next year we'll come back stronger to try again.”
Messi became the fifth Argentine to win the award, after Christian Gomez (2006), Guillermo Barros Schelotto (2008), Diego Valeri (2017) and Luciano Acosta (2022).
Uno más para nuestro capitánpic.twitter.com/hKsY2ZCt3t
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) December 6, 2024
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