Lionel Messi has etched his name into MLS history, clinching the 2024 Landon Donovan MLS Player of the Year award following an unforgettable debut season with Inter Miami.
Despite being hampered by injuries, Messi's 19 regular-season appearances showcased his unrelenting brilliance, tallying an astonishing 20 goals and 16 assists. His contributions were pivotal in guiding Inter Miami to their maiden Supporters' Shield with a record-breaking 74 points.

What made Messi's triumph even more special was the heartwarming announcement by Inter Miami's academy players, who formed an "MVP" configuration to surprise the footballing icon. Visibly touched by the gesture, Messi expressed his gratitude, saying, "It's an honor to receive this award from all of you."
The 37-year-old joined the Miami-based club in 2023 and since has been a revelation for them. After winning the inaugural Concacaf Leagues Cup last year, the impact of Messi has grown bigger as they clinched the Supporters' Shield title.
With the newest crown, Messi now has 79 individual awards in his illustrious career. The 79th in the MLS is also his first outside in any non-European league system. Messi has previously won 8 Ballon d'Or titles in his career, while winning 2 FIFA World Cup Golden Balls as well.
During his Barcelona days, Messi won the LALIGA Player of the Award a staggering 9 times, whereas he also got the Pichichi Award for scoring the most number of goals in a season.
| Award | Year Won |
|---|---|
| Ballon d'Or (8) | 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023 |
| FIFA World Player of the Year (8) | 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2022, 2023 |
| European Golden Shoe (6) | 2009–10, 2011–12, 2012–13, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19 |
| FIFA World Cup Golden Ball (2) | 2014, 2022 |
| FIFA World Cup Silver Boot (1) | 2022 |
| FIFA Club World Cup Golden Ball (2) | 2009, 2011 |
| UEFA Club Footballer of the Year (1) | 2008–09 |
| UEFA Men's Player of the Year Award (2) | 2010–11, 2014–15 |
| UEFA Champions League Top Scorer (6) | 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2011–12, 2014–15, 2018–19 |
| Copa América Golden Ball (2) | 2015, 2021 |
| Copa América Golden Boot (1) | 2021 |
| La Liga Best Player (9) | 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2011–12, 2012–13, 2014–15, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19 |
| Pichichi Trophy (8) | 2009−10, 2011–12, 2012−13, 2016–17, 2017−18, 2018–19, 2019–20, 2020–21 |
| Laureus World Sportsman of the Year (2) | 2020, 2023 |
| Argentine Sportsperson of the Year (4) | 2011, 2021, 2022, 2023 |
| Argentine Footballer of the Year (16) | 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 |
| MLS MVP (1) | 2024 |
| Total | 79 |