Despite only playing 6 games for Inter Miami in the MLS, forward Lionel Messi has made it to the final 3 candidates nominated for the title of Best Newcomer in the MLS for 2023.
In order to claim victory in the aforementioned category, the Argentine superstar will have to surpass two opponents, Giorgios Giakoumakis (Atlanta United) and Eduard Lowen (Saint Louis City). After many years of playing for Barca and PSG in Europe, Messi recently joined Inter in July this year as a free transfer.
Even though he couldn’t help former football star David Beckham’s team achieve a high rank in the MLS, they still managed to win the Leagues Cup 2023 with Inter Miami. This is the club’s first-ever title in history.
The arrival of Messi has quickly made waves in the United States, significantly increasing the attraction of MLS. This is clearly demonstrated by the improved number of people attending matches in the MLS when Messi is present. It can be said that not only Inter Miami but also the entire MLS has benefited from the presence of this 1987-born striker in the land of the stars and stripes.
As per regulations, three candidates are selected from the final nomination list by players, coaching staff members of each team in MLS as well as journalists. The aforementioned voting panel not only has a say in the Best Newcomer category but also decides on who is a candidate for some other accolades.
What’s more important than determining the best player is the competition between Thiago Almada of Atlanta United, Luciano Acosta of Cincinnati, and Dennis Bouanga of Los Angeles. It’s worth noting that Almada has also been shortlisted for the outstanding young player category in the MLS. The 22-year-old Argentinian talent has been nominated alongside Duncan McGuire of Orlando City and Aidan Morris of Columbus Crew.
Meanwhile, Tim Parker from St. Louis City, Matt Mlazga from Cincinnati, and Yelmar Gomez Andrade from Seattle Sounders will be vying for the title of best defender. Additionally, the list of nominees for best goalkeeper includes Roman Burki from Saint Louis City, Pedro Gallese from Orlando City, and Roman Celentano from Cincinnati.
