Leo Messi named MLS Player of the Matchday for Matchday eight after brace at Colorado Rapids | OneFootball

Leo Messi has been named MLS Player of the Matchday presented by Michelob ULTRA for Matchday eight after scoring twice in Inter Miami’s 2-3 win at Colorado Rapids, according to Inter Miami.

He opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 18th minute, then struck the winner with a spectacular finish in the 80th.

The two-time Landon Donovan MLS MVP and current MLS Golden Boot holder now has seven goals in seven games, tied for second in MLS this season. His brace gives him 18 multi-goal matches in his first 60 MLS appearances and 28 games with at least two goal contributions.

Since the start of 2024, Messi has 91 goal contributions, 56 goals and 35 assists, tied for the third-most in a three-season span in league history, level with Denis Bouanga from 2023-25, and two behind the all-time record held by Luciano Acosta, 93 from 2022-24.

It is the 14th time he has taken the Player of the Matchday award, and his second this season after Matchday two. He is now tied with Jeff Cunningham on 14, behind only Landon Donovan on 19.

The award is determined each matchday of the regular season by media and fan voting run by MLS Communications. A panel of journalists from the North American Soccer Reporters accounts for 75 per cent, with an Instagram fan vote making up 25 per cent.

Source: Inter Miami