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MIAMI, Dec. 6 (UPI) -- Inter Miami striker Lionel Messi was named 2024 Major League Soccer MVP, the league said Friday. "Truly, it is an honor for me to receive this award from all of you," Messi said during a surprise announcement Friday in front of Inter Miami academy players in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
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"It's a source of pride to watch you all train. I'm very happy to be here every day. I'm very happy to be in this city, in this club that is growing. It's a pleasure to see you grow day by day. I invite you to keep fighting and striving for your dreams."
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner led MLS with 36 goal contributions, including 20 goals and 16 assists, in just 19 matches played. He also helped the Herons (22-4-8) win the Supporters' Shield -- awarded to the team with the most victories -- and set an MLS record with 74 points this season.
The Herons' Argentine superstar striker averaged an MLS-record 2.18 goal contributions per 90 minutes during his first full season in the league.
He registered a goal or assist in 15 of his 19 MLS appearances and totaled multiple goal contributions 11 times.
"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," MLS commissioner Don Garber said in a new release.
"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."
Messi received 38.4% of the votes from players, media and clubs for MLS MVP honors. Columbus Blue Jackets forward Cucho Hernandez finished second with 33.7%.
Portland Timbers midfielder Evander, DC United forward Christian Benteke and Herons striker Luis Suarez rounded out the Top-5 vote getters.
The Herons signed Suarez to a one-year contract extension last week.
