Lionel Messi changed his life MLS. Although many stars had previously played in the professional league of the United States, without a doubt the arrival of the Argentine surpassed everything. And he made his mark, both off and on the pitch, where despite not being enough to secure a place in the Playoffs, he led the team to their first ever Leagues Cup title.
And his performance won him over a nomination to traditional MLS Awards which are handed out at the end of each season, as is customary in the American major leagues.
There are two Argentinian candidates for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award of the season, but none of them are Messi: it’s about Luciano Acosta, from FC Cincinnati, and Thiago Almada, from Atlanta United.
What award is Lionel Messi nominated for in MLS and who is he competing against?
Lionel Messi was nominated in the “Rental of the Year” category., together with the players Eduard Löwen (St. Louis City) and Giorgos Giakoumakis (Atlanta United). Leo’s two competitors were the season’s leading assists and scorers, respectively, among rookies in the league.
According to the league, this award “corresponds to players with previous professional experience who made their MLS debut in 2023.”
Will the award represent all that Messi’s arrival in MLS has meant, or will voters favor the season-long performances of his other two rivals?
Who votes in the MLS Awards?
- league players
- Coaches, technical secretaries or general managers of franchises
- Expert journalists who have covered the season regularly
When are the 2023 MLS Awards?
The announcements of the winners in the various categories will be made – not simultaneously – during the 2023 MLS Playoffs.
All finalists for the 2023 MLS Awards
“Landon Donovan” MLS Most Valuable Player Award – Finalist
- Luciano Acosta – Cincinnati
- Thiago Almada – Atlanta United
- Denis Bouanga – LAFC
MLS ‘Sigi Schmid’ Coach of the Year – finalist
- Bradley Carnell – St. Louis CITY SC
- Wilfried Nancy – Columbus Crwe
- Pat Noonan – FC Cincinnati
MLS Sign of the Year – finalist
- Giorgos Giakoumakis – Atlanta United
- Eduard Löwen – St. Louis CITY SC
- Lionel Messi – Inter Miami CF
MLS Young Player of the Year – finalist
According to MLS, this category includes players who are 22 years of age or younger during the calendar year.
- Thiago Almada – Atlanta United
- Duncan McGuire – Orlando City SC
- Aidan Morris – Columbus Crew
MLS ‘Allstate’ Goalkeeper of the Year – Finalist
- Roman Bürki – St. Louis CITY SC
- Roman Celentano – FC Cincinnati
- Pedro Gallese – Orlando City SC
MLS Defender of the Year – finalist
- Yeimar Gómez Andrade – Seattle Sounders FC
- Matt Miazga – FC Cincinnati
- Tim Parker – St. Louis CITY SC
MLS Spirited Player of the Year – finalist
According to the league, any player can be considered for this category. “Who has overcome a serious injury and/or adversity that, as a result, caused him to miss a significant portion of the 2022 season, and who during the 2023 season displayed a performance that led to his success.”
- Joao Paulo – Seattle Sounders FC
- Alan Pulido – Sporting Kansas City
- Miles Robinson – Atlanta United
Audi “Goals Drive Progress Impact Award” presented by MLS WORKS – finalist
This type of award is a classic in American professional sports and is aimed at those athletes who create the greatest social impact in their team communities through diverse actions.
- Alejandro Bedoya – Philadelphia Union
- Darlington Nagbe – Columbus Crew
- Taylor Washington – Nashville SC
MLS Referee of the Year – Finalist
- John Freeman
- Victor Rivas
- Ted Unkel
MLS Assistant Referee of the Year – Finalist
- Michael Barwegan
- Cam Blanchard
- Ian McKay
