Lionel Messi Drives Record MLS Attendance and Eyes MVP Award

Inter Miami's star player boosts league popularity while competing for top honors in his first full MLS season.

Major League Soccer set a new regular-season attendance record with over 11 million fans, largely driven by Lionel Messi's influence.
Inter Miami's Messi and Luis Suárez are leading candidates for the MLS MVP award, with Messi contributing 17 goals and 15 assists in just 18 matches.
Inter Miami clinched the Supporters' Shield with 71 points, marking a dramatic turnaround from last year's 27th-place finish.
Messi's presence has not only elevated Inter Miami's performance but has also made the club a desirable destination for other stars.
Voting for MLS awards, which includes contributions from players, coaches, and media, is underway and will conclude on October 21.