Lionel Messi: The Clear MLS MVP Despite Limited Gameplay
As the 2024 MLS season comes to a close, the discussion for Most Valuable Player is heating up. Despite missing nearly half the season due to injuries and absences, Lionel Messi’s outstanding performance has made a compelling case for him to be the runaway favorite. The Argentine superstar has rewritten the script for Inter Miami’s fortunes, transforming a hapless team into title contenders.
The Statistics Tell the Story
Statistically, Messi has packed an entire season’s worth of production into his 17 appearances. He’s scored 17 goals and contributed 15 assists, joint-second most in the league, alongside Portland’s Evander. His 32 goal contributions are more than other MVP contenders, like Luciano Acosta (25), Cucho Hernández (25), Chicho Arango (21), and Denis Bouanga (19).
In Context, Messi’s Achievement
Messi’s unbridled brilliance is made all the more remarkable given the context. He missed almost 50% of Inter Miami’s season, rendering raw stats less relevant in assessing his value. If Messi weren’t on the pitch, Inter Miami wouldn’t be the Supporters’ Shield winners they are. As it stands, their per-game points average increased (2.13 to 2.12) despite Messi’s presence. Still, his influence extends far beyond the numbers.
Per-90 Stats Set Historic Records
Messi’s per-90-minute production is nothing short of sensational. His 1.71 non-penalty goals plus assists per 90 minutes (npG+A/90) rate nearly half a goal ahead of any other player’s single-season rate in MLS history. In a few of MLS’ 28 completed seasons, Messi’s per-90 rate would be more than twice that of the league leader. Such dominance is unprecedented and earns him the top spot for MVP.
Criticisms and Counterarguments
The counterargument lies in Inter Miami’s impressive overall performance without Messi on the field. They’d racked up 18 points (five wins, three draws, 14 losses) from 22 games without him. This reasoning doesn’t hold water when analyzing the bigger picture: the Herons were perennial basement dwellers before Messi joined the team. Martino himself credits Messi as a driving force behind Miami’s turnaround.
What a Difference Messi Makes
To summarize, Messi is undeniably the MLS’s most valuable player for this season. His achievements span far beyond the traditional box score. He single-handedly transformed Inter Miami, bringing in other A-listers and youngsters with the allure of playing with greatness. As the narrative soars, Messi embodies it.
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Whether Messi’s MVP candidacy faces setbacks or not, he undeniably left a profound mark on the MLS in 2024. In an era where performances define a player’s standing, Messi’s remarkable case rewrites the script on a season that’s rewritten expectations.