Lionel Messi Shortlisted for MVP and Newcomer of the Year in 2023 MLS Year-End Awards
Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine forward, has been nominated for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Newcomer of the Year awards in the upcoming 2023 MLS Year-End Awards. Despite joining Inter Miami from Paris Saint-Germain in July, Messi has made a significant impact, scoring 11 goals in just 11 appearances. However, it is worth noting that only four of those appearances have come in MLS matches, with the majority of his goals coming in the Leagues Cup.
Messi’s teammate at Inter Miami, Sergio Busquets, has also been shortlisted for both awards. Despite joining the team midway through the season, Busquets has made a strong impression and is deserving of recognition.
Hany Mukhtar, the reigning MVP, has once again been nominated for the award. The Nashville attacking midfielder has provided 15 goals and eight assists in 31 MLS appearances, making him one of the frontrunners for the award. Luciano Acosta of Cincinnati is also a strong contender, having contributed 16 goals and 10 assists in 31 appearances as Cincinnati topped the Eastern Conference.
Roman Burki, the goalkeeper for St. Louis, has made history by becoming the first goalkeeper since 2000 to be shortlisted for the MLS MVP award. Burki played a crucial role in his team’s victory in the Western Conference and will be hoping to secure the prestigious award.
Hector Herrera, the box-to-box midfielder for Houston Dynamo, is also among the front runners for the MVP award. With 11 goals and 14 assists for Atlanta, Herrera has been instrumental in his team’s success.
Eduard Lowen of St. Louis and Giorgos Giakoumakis of Atlanta are expected to be strong contenders for the Newcomer of the Year award. Both players have made a significant impact since joining their respective teams and have caught the attention of fans and critics alike.
The MLS Year-End Awards are voted for by MLS players, coaches, and media members. The voting process will conclude on October 23, and the winners will be announced shortly after.
Now, the question arises: Does Lionel Messi have a chance of winning either award?
According to U.S. soccer writer Jeff Rueter, Messi’s chances seem slim when considering his limited playing time in MLS matches. He has played only 247 minutes, scoring one goal and providing two assists. In most leagues, a player with such output would not be considered for the MVP award. However, Rueter argues that Messi’s impact on Inter Miami cannot be overlooked.
MLS differs from other leagues by awarding a hyper-American “most valuable player” instead of the traditional “player of the year” title. In this context, Messi’s value to his team becomes evident. His goal against New York Red Bulls and his assists in the match against Los Angeles FC were crucial in securing victories for Inter Miami. Furthermore, the team has struggled in his absence, both before he signed and after he suffered an injury that has kept him sidelined since September.
While Rueter does not include Messi in his personal five-man shortlist for the MVP award, he acknowledges the Argentine’s undeniable value to Inter Miami. Without Messi, the team would likely be one of the worst in the league. With him, they were on track to qualify for the playoffs and potentially finish in the top seven in the Eastern Conference.
In conclusion, Lionel Messi’s inclusion in the shortlist for the MVP and Newcomer of the Year awards in the 2023 MLS Year-End Awards is well-deserved. Despite his limited playing time in MLS matches, Messi has made a significant impact on Inter Miami and has been instrumental in their success. While the competition for the awards is fierce, Messi’s undeniable talent and influence on the field make him a strong contender. The winners of the awards will be announced soon, and fans eagerly await the results.