As the MLS season approaches its climax, the spotlight is firmly on Inter Miami CF, driven by the electrifying performances of two of football’s biggest stars: Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez. Their prolific contributions have not only energized their team but have also positioned them as front-runners for the sought-after MLS MVP award. The recent announcement of 34 nominees highlights the competitive landscape of this year’s awards, with notable contenders such as FC Cincinnati’s Lucho Acosta and Columbus Crew’s Cucho Hernández also in the mix.
The list of nominees for the MVP award showcases an impressive array of talent from across the league. However, it’s Messi’s and Suárez’s names that dominate the discussion. Both players meet the 2024 requirement of 1,000 minutes played in the regular season, thus qualifying for this prestigious accolade. Messi has made a profound impact since his arrival in July 2023, scoring 17 goals and providing 15 assists in just 18 appearances. This remarkable performance underscores both his talent and importance to the team, despite his limited time on the pitch due to injuries and national team commitments.
In contrast, Suárez has burst onto the MLS scene with glory, notching up 18 goals and seven assists in 26 matches. His quick adaptation to the league speaks volumes about his skill and experience. Together, they have accounted for a staggering 35 goals of Inter Miami’s total 73 this season, proving their pivotal roles in the team’s success.
Messi’s journey this season has not been without its challenges. Injuries have sidelined him for significant stretches, hampering his full potential. Most recently, he was out for two months due to a right ankle injury, coupled with additional periods missed while representing Argentina. Despite this, his stats have still placed him within striking distance of the Golden Boot, reflecting not just his quality but his relentless drive to perform. While injuries are part of sports, they also serve as a narrative that enhances Messi’s pursuit of the MVP title this season.
On the other hand, Suárez’s first-ever MLS season has shown a level of consistency and strength that has quickly elevated him within league rankings. His seamless transition is particularly noteworthy, not just for his goal-scoring but for how he has complemented Messi’s play on the field.
Inter Miami’s transformation this season is nothing short of remarkable. From finishing last in the Eastern Conference in 2023, the team has not only acceded to the upper echelons of the league but clinched the Supporters’ Shield as of October 2, 2024. With the team on the brink of achieving a record-breaking 74 points in a single MLS season, they have their eyes set on excellence. One more victory against the New England Revolution on October 19 could cement their place in history, surpassing the previous record held by the Revolution themselves.
Equipped with a robust home advantage through postseason qualifications, Inter Miami is primed for playoff success. The team is set to launch its playoff campaign on October 25 at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, offering fans a tantalizing prospect of an uplifted legacy in one of soccer’s most challenging leagues.
The accolades are not limited to Messi and Suárez alone. Inter Miami boasts several other nominees across various categories highlighting the depth of talent within the organization. Names like Matías Rojas for MLS Newcomer of the Year, Federico Redondo and Diego Gómez for MLS Young Player of the Year, and Jordi Alba for MLS Defender of the Year illustrate the team’s comprehensive strengths.
Moreover, head coach Gerardo Martino has also garnered attention as a nominee for the Sigi Schmid MLS Coach of the Year award, a testament to the strategic and developmental prowess he has brought to the squad. The impending voting process, which runs from October 7 to 21, promises excitement as fans and critics alike await the final verdicts.
As the MLS season nears its conclusion, the narrative surrounding Inter Miami CF is rich and multifaceted. With Messi and Suárez lighting up the field and enhancing their legacy, this year’s awards promise to be a thrilling spectacle. Their performances have not only elevated themselves but have reignited the passion of a fanbase eager for victory. As we anticipate the announcements of this season’s award winners, one thing is certain: the influence and impact of these football giants is likely to resonate for years to come.
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