Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami win their first-ever MLS playoff game in history

MLS playoff game in history: Jordi Alba wins MLS Playoff Player of the Match after scoring a thunderous goal and providing an assist.

Lionel Messi, who scored a hat trick in Inter Miami’s last regular season victory over New England, is expected to be the front-runner for the Landon Donovan MVP award. Messi’s teammates compete for several honours, while Columbus Crew SC, the Supporters’ Shield runner-up, is also heavily represented on the year-end ballots.

Here are the finalists for each MLS Award.

• Christian Benteke (D.C. United)
• Evander (Portland Timbers)
• Cucho Hernández (Columbus Crew)
• Lionel Messi (Inter Miami CF)
• Luis Suárez (Inter Miami CF)

Must Read: Records & Achievements of Messi vs Ronaldo

https://twitter.com/WeAreMessi/status/1850006242229367100

Some stars are making strong arguments to win the 2024 MLS MVP award, making it one of the most competitive races we’ve seen in years. Messi is currently probably the favourite to win it, though, after he reached 20 goals and 16 assists in 19 games this season, including a brilliant hat trick and assist in Miami’s regular-season finale. Messi’s main rival for the trophy is Cucho Hernandez, a Colombian who had an incredible 19G/14A season as the Crew placed second in MLS.

The night took a bad turn for Inter Miami late. Ian Fray, a South Florida native who has already dealt with three ACL tears, left in the 90th minute after a non-contact injury left him unable to put any weight on his right leg. There was no immediate word on the severity of Fray’s injury.

Tending: 6 players who can stop both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in the game plan