Lionel Messi has been nominated for the 'MLS Newcomer of the Year Award'. The Argentine participated in only six matches in Major League Soccer (MLS) with Inter Miami, but he is still in the running for this accolade.
Embed from Getty Images
Since his arrival in July, Messi has started in just four MLS matches from the beginning. He came off the bench twice. With one goal and two assists, he has certainly made his mark on Inter Miami. That was enough reason for MLS to nominate him for the Newcomer of the Year award.
The Argentine is up against former VVV-Venlo striker Giorgos Giakoumakis in this election. The Greek made the move from Celtic to Atlanta United in February. In 27 league matches, he netted 17 goals. In the 2020/21 season, Giakoumakis was the top scorer of the Eredivisie with 26 goals. The third nominee is Eduard Löwen from St. Louis City SC.
The nominees for Most Valuable Player of the Year are Thiago Almada (Atlanta United), Dénis Bouanga (Los Angeles FC), and Luciano Acosta (FC Cincinnati). In the best goalkeepers category, Roman Bürki (St. Louis City), Pedro Gallese (Orlando City), and Roman Celentano (FC Cincinnati) are on the list. Former Vitesse player Matt Miazga (FC Cincinnati) has been nominated for best defender, along with Tim Parker (St. Louis City) and Yeimar Gómez Andrade (Seattle Sounders). Pat Noonan (FC Cincinnati), Wilfried Nancy (Columbus Crew), and Bradley Carnell (St. Louis City) are in the running for the best coach award.
