Messi, Suarez headline finalists for MLS MVP award

Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez are among the finalists for the 2024 Major League Soccer MVP award after leading Inter Miami to a record-breaking regular season.

MLS announced the finalists for each of its major year-end awards Thursday.

The Miami superstars are joined in the race for the top individual honor by Golden Boot winner Christian Benteke of D.C. United, Columbus Crew talisman Cucho Hernandez, and Portland sharpshooter Evander.

Messi is considered the front-runner after scoring 20 goals and recording 16 assists in 19 league matches. He delivered a hat-trick in the regular-season finale, lifting Miami to a victory that saw the Supporters' Shield winners establish a new MLS record for points in a single campaign.

Though the Argentine appeared in only 19 matches - just over 50% of Inter Miami's games - he exceeded the 1,000-minute benchmark needed to be considered for the year-end accolade.

Here are the finalists for each of the league's end-of-season awards:

MVP

• Christian Benteke - D.C. United
• Evander - Portland Timbers
• Cucho Hernandez - Columbus Crew
• Lionel Messi - Inter Miami
• Luis Suarez - Inter Miami

Coach of the Year

• Chris Armas - Colorado Rapids
• Gerardo Martino - Inter Miami
• Wilfried Nancy - Columbus Crew

Newcomer of the Year

The league defines a "newcomer" as a player with previous professional experience who debuted in MLS in 2024.

• Luca Orellano - FC Cincinnati
• Gabriel Pec - LA Galaxy
• Luis Suarez - Inter Miami

Young Player of the Year

Players must be born on or after Jan. 1, 2002 to be eligible for this award.

• Diego Gomez - Inter Miami
• Diego Luna - Real Salt Lake
• Cristian Olivera - LAFC

Defender of the Year

• Jordi Alba - Inter Miami
• Steven Moreira - Columbus Crew
• Jackson Ragen - Seattle Sounders

Goalkeeper of the Year

• Kristijan Kahlina - Charlotte FC
• Hugo Lloris - LAFC
• Patrick Schulte - Columbus Crew

Comeback Player of the Year

MLS uses this award to recognize a player "who has overcome a severe injury and/or adversity, thus missing a significant portion of the 2023 season, and shown improved performance to achieve success during the 2024 season."

• Robin Lod - Minnesota United
• Maxi Moralez - New York City FC
• Lewis Morgan - New York Red Bulls