Lionel Messi could be in line for a major individual award in his debut season for Inter Miami in the MLS.
The Argentine has had a remarkable impact on the team since joining in the summer having led a resurgence of the struggling team who secured their first-ever piece of silverware after winning the Leagues Cup in August. The penalty shoot-out victory over fellow MLS side, Nashville SC capped off a sensational tournament for the 36-year-old who was top goalscorer and was awarded the best player.
His stunning start to life in the United States continued with his MLS debut against the New York Red Bulls as he netted in a 2-0 win that ended his side’s 11-match winless streak in the league. However, his debut goal has ended up being his only league goal for Inter Miami as he went goalless in his next three appearances for the club.
Despite the singular goal and the two assists he’s managed in the MLS, the seven-time Ballon d’Or finds himself among the nominees for the Landon Donovan MLS MVP. The 30-man list for the award, which includes Messi’s team-mate Sergio Busquets, as well as former Premier League stars, Christian Benteke and Carles Gil, was released on Thursday (October 5).
While Messi is certainly the best player on the list and remains in the conversation of the best player in the world despite his departure from Europe, it would be downright scandalous to award the forward with the award having played just four games in the league and was forced to go off in the first half of his last game against Toronto FC.