Smart Choices - Headliner: Lionel Messi is the 2024 MLS MVP | OneFootball

This is Part 5 of 90min's Smart Choices award series presented by Continental Tires.

No other Major League Soccer player reached the same heights that Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi did during the 2024 regular season.

The Herons were mostly fine without the Argentine forward when he was absent through injury, but his impact on the pitch for the south Florida side was second to none. Whether Messi was banging in the goals or setting up teammates for scoring opportunities, he was without a doubt the best player in MLS in 2024.

The 37-year-old powered Miami to the 2024 Supporters' Shield title while also playing a pivotal role in the team achieving the greatest regular season in MLS history.

2024 MLS MVP: Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi managed nearly 40 goal contributions during the regular season / Casey Gower-Imagn Images

For starters, Messi logged a staggering 20 goals and 16 assists in just 19 appearances. His 36 goals contributions were the most in MLS ahead of fellow playmakers such as Evander and reigning MVP Luciano 'Lucho' Acosta.

When Messi was on the ball going forward, it seemed like every move was going to end in a Miami goal. Opposing defenders would key in on Messi, sometimes putting two players on him to try to limit him—but it didn't work as he would pick out a pass for a teammate or dribble past players with ease.

This was evident by way of his 104 shot-creating actions as well as his 20 goal-creations actions.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or's 2.36 shots on target per-match were the most in MLS while his 5.02 shots per match were only second to Columbus Crew's Cucho Hernández. Messi logged an impressive 1.21 goals-per-match as he scored 20 times in just 19 matches.

Messi completed 54 dribbles throughout the campaign, often leaving defenders in the dust like he did against Philadelphia Union and New England Revolution near the end of the season.

Not only did Messi dominate the stat sheet when he played, but he also led by example and helped rally the squad when Miami needed a comeback win. Messi showed on the pitch why he is the most valuable player in MLS as he raises the levels of everyone around him like none other.

After a terrific regular season, Messi aims to lead Miami to MLS Cup glory to add another title to his incredible trophy cabinet.