Messi vows Inter Miami will ´come back stronger´ after MLS playoff disappointment

Lionel Messi insisted Inter Miami will “come back stronger” next season after landing the MLS MVP award for the 2024 campaign.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner scooped the accolade after captaining the Herons to their first Supporters’ Shield title with a record 74 points.

Messi registered 32 direct goal involvements (21 goals, 11 assists) along the way, but the season ultimately ended in disappointment for Miami, who were stunned by Atlanta United in round one of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

But the Argentina skipper vowed he and his team-mates will bounce back in 2025 under new head coach – and former club and international colleague – Javier Mascherano.

“I would have liked to receive this award in another situation, being able to play the [MLS Cup] final next Saturday,” Messi told Miami’s academy players during a special ceremony at Chase Stadium.

“But that’s also what football is about, overcoming yourself every day. We had a big dream of being MLS champions this year. It didn’t happen, but next year, we’ll come back stronger to try again.”

Messi became the fifth Argentine to win the award after Christian Gomez (2006), Guillermo Barros Schelotto (2008), Diego Valeri (2017) and Luciano Acosta (2022).

Uno más para nuestro capitánpic.twitter.com/hKsY2ZCt3t

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) December 6, 2024