Lionel Messi’s move to the MLS to play for Inter Miami was met with much fanfare. The Argentine superstar was brought in to help take the club to the next level, and his instant impact did help the club win its first trophy since it was founded when Inter Miami claimed the League Cup trophy back in August.
Lionel Messi also tried to help Inter Miami mount an unlikely push to the MLS Playoffs, and although this didn’t work out in the end, it was still considered a great season by everyone at the club. However, despite Messi’s effort, he’s been snubbed for the MLS MVP award, as he also missed out on the league’s best XI ranking.
Luciano Acosta beats Lionel Messi to become MLS MVP
Lionel Messi had a strong start to his season with Inter Miami, but the Argentine’s numerous ailments in the latter stages of the season prevented him from leading his team to the MLS Playoffs. After picking up an injury on international duty, Lionel Messi’s impact was drastically reduced in the MLS as Inter Miami struggled without their star man.
These injury problems would eventually cost him the MLS MVP award in a landslide vote on Monday, as the World Cup winner failed to make the best XI in the league.
Instead, the award went to compatriot Luciano Acosta, who has helped FC Cincinnati reach the MLS Cup final, where they face Columbus Crew at the QTL Stadium on Saturday.
Acosta claimed 60.4% of the total votes from players, reporters, and club technical staffers. He won the award ahead of Los Angeles FC star Denis Bouanga, who had just 15%, and Atlanta United midfielder Thiago Almada, who had 6.5%.
Acosta was the top contributor for FC Cincinnati in the MLS last season, with 17 goals and 14 assists in 31 appearances for the club. He also helped the club claim the Supporters’ Shield with the best record of 20 wins, 5 draws, and 9 losses, claiming 69 points in the process.
Messi won’t mind much about losing the MVP award to Acosta as he recently claimed his eighth Ballon d’Or award before winning Inter Miami’s MVP award.
Lionel Messi misses out on MLS Best XI
The MLS Best XI is determined by members of the media, technical staff, and players in the league. Roman Bürki, the former Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper, was elected for the goalkeeping position. In St. Louis City SC’s first MLS season, their goalkeeper achieved an impressive record of 17 wins, which stands as the highest number of victories for any goalkeeper in the league.
Nashville SC’s defender Walker Zimmerman also claimed his fifth selection in the Best XI. Tim Parker of St. Louis City, Matt Maizga of FC Cincinnati, and Hany Mukhtar of Nashville were also selected to make the best defensive line in the league.
Seasoned midfielder Hector Herrera of Houston Dynamo FC claimed his first selection in the Best XI, and he was joined by the midfield duo of Thiago Almada of Atlanta United and Luciano Acosta of FC Cincinnati, who also won the league’s MVP award.
The forward line consists of Denis Bouanga of LAFC, Giorgos Giakoumakis of Atlanta United, and Cucho Hernandez of Columbus Crew.
Lionel Messi, who has been dealing with infidelity allegations over the past few days, missed out altogether on the Best Xi.
Can Lionel Messi claim the MLS MVP trophy next season?
