Messi named MLS Most Valuable Player after record-setting season with Inter Miami

Messi named MLS Most Valuable Player after record-setting season with Inter Miami

Lionel Messi was named Major League Soccer’s Most Valuable Player on Friday after captaining Inter Miami to a record-breaking regular season campaign.

Messi was handed the award after his performances helped Miami to a record regular season points tally of 74, earning the club its first-ever Supporters Shield.

The 37-year-old Argentine finished the regular season with a league-leading 36 goal contributions (20 goals and 16 assists).

The award comes in an injury-marred season for Messi that saw him make only 19 appearances this year.

Messi and his Inter Miami could not continue the winning momentum in the MLS Cup playoffs, making a first-round exit against Atalanta United.

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.

(inputs from AFP)