TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Lionel Messi on Thursday, October 26, 2023, was named one of three finalists for the Best Newcomer award MLS, although he only played in six league games during his debut season with Inter Miami. Messi was nominated alongside Atlanta United striker Giorgos Giakoumakis and St. Louis midfielder. Louis City SC Eduard Lowen.
The 2022 World Cup winner from Argentina was also listed as one of 30 nominees for the league’s MVP award earlier this month as one of two players put forward by Miami during the club’s nomination phase.
But Messi didn’t make the top three on Thursday, losing out to FC Cincinnati forward Luciano Acosta, Golden Boot winner Denis Bouanga of LAFC and Messi’s young Argentinian teammate Thiago Almada of Atlanta.
After joining Inter Miami on a free transfer, Messi is enjoying a dream start to life in Miami. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner scored 10 goals in seven games to lead the club to its first trophy by lifting the League Cup. He also played in Miami’s US Open Cup semifinal win over Cincinnati.
However, Messi’s appearances in the MLS league were limited by a leg injury he suffered while on duty with the Argentine national team last September. He was only able to play 372 minutes in six appearances (four starts), scoring one goal and providing two assists as Miami missed out on a place in the MLS playoffs.
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Another nominee, Giakoumakis, finished second in the Golden Boot race with 17 goals and three assists in his first MLS season. Meanwhile, former German youth national team player Lowen scored six goals and 14 assists in 29 appearances.
Although Messi’s impact on the field was limited in his first season in MLS, his arrival in the United States led to a surge in ticket and merchandise sales.
Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas said earlier this month everything had changed since Messi’s arrival at the club. In an Instagram post earlier this week, Messi said he was proud of everything the team had achieved this season.
The award is voted on by current MLS players and coaches, technical directors/general managers, and select members of the media. Winners will be announced throughout the MLS playoffs.
ESPN
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