Lionel Messi is Inter Miami’s Most Valuable Player for 2023.
Announced on November 11th, the team released its list of annual end-of-year awards.
Drake Callender was named the team’s Defensive Player of the Year, while Messi was announced as the club’s MVP.
The Argentine’s MVP award comes after Miami’s tough loss against NYCFC on November 10th.
However, despite the Heron’s poor end to the season, Messi’s 2023 campaign stood out among the rest. The World Cup winner ended the year with 14 G/A in all competitions, leading the team to the Leagues Cup title in August.
Additionally, the 36-year-old’s off-the-field impact has put Inter Miami at the forefront of world football. According to a story from the New York Times, Messi’s pink Miami home kit is the second-highest-selling jersey in America.
As the Argentine heads into year two with the South Florida club, expect his influence to continue growing within the team and over Major League Soccer.
Messi is ready for 2024 with Inter Miami
Inter Miami has high hopes for 2024.
Though the team won its first trophy in club history, the Herons struggled to continue that form and failed to make the postseason.
Even with the subpar end to the year, Messi still heavily contributed to Miami’s attack.
The Argentine’s 11-goal performance in the Leagues Cup helped the Herons cement their name in history. Additionally, though his time in the Major League Soccer season was limited, Messi still contributed one goal and two assists through 372 minutes played.
As the club shifts focus to next season, they’ll want to remedy the mistakes they made in 2023. That may include the acquisition of Luis Suárez and a change of tactics.
All in all, the men in pink are ready for the challenge ahead. Messi’s MVP award is just the beginning as the team looks to fight for more silverware.
2023 ended on a sour note, but if Inter Miami’s off-season plans are any indication, 2024 looks to be a season filled with more trophies.