Lionel Messi has become the latest star to etch his name into major League Soccer history,securing the 2024 MVP award and joining an exclusive club of league legends. The Inter Miami CF forward’s remarkable debut season has culminated in individual recognition, marking a meaningful moment for both the player and the growing profile of MLS.
as its inception in 1996, the MLS MVP award has celebrated the league’s most outstanding players, recognizing their impact on their teams and the overall quality of competition. The award’s history reflects the evolution of MLS, from its early years featuring established international stars to the current era showcasing a blend of global talent and rising domestic players.Here’s a complete list of every MLS MVP winner:
1996: Carlos Valderrama (Tampa Bay Mutiny)
1997: Jaime Moreno (D.C. United)
1998: Preki (Kansas City Wizards)
1999: Kevin Hartman (Los angeles Galaxy)
2000: Tony Meola (Kansas City Wizards)
2001: Jeff Cunningham (Columbus Crew)
2002: Landon Donovan (San Jose Earthquakes)
2003: Claudio López (Kansas City Wizards)
2004: Amado Guevara (MetroStars)
2005: Dwayne De Rosario (San Jose Earthquakes)
2006: Jeff Cunningham (Columbus Crew)
2007: Guillermo Barros Schelotto (Columbus crew)
2008: Landon Donovan (los Angeles Galaxy)
2009: Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy)
2010: david Ferreira (FC Dallas)
2011: Dwayne De Rosario (D.C. United)
2012: Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)
2013: Mike Magee (Chicago Fire)
2014: Robbie Keane (LA Galaxy)
2015: Giovani dos Santos (LA Galaxy)
2016: David Villa (New York city FC)
2017: Josef Martínez (Atlanta United FC)
2018: Carlos Vela (Los Angeles FC)
2019: Carlos Vela (Los Angeles FC)
2020: Alejandro Pozuelo (Toronto FC)
2021: Carles Gil (New England Revolution)
2022: Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC)
2023: Luciano Acosta (FC Cincinnati)
* 2024: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami CF)
the MVP award is voted on by players, club officials, and a media panel, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of each candidate’s contributions. As MLS continues to grow in popularity and attract top talent, the competition for this prestigious award will undoubtedly intensify, promising exciting seasons to come.
