This year, the MLS witnessed the arrival of a standout player, Lionel Messi. The presence of the Argentinian superstar captivated fans across the globe. Despite joining Inter Miami midseason, he wasted no time leaving an indelible mark on the country’s soccer landscape. His impact was so profound that he even earned a nomination for MLS MVP. But in an unexpected turn of events, the #10’s nomination for this coveted accolade has left fans in utter disbelief.
On the other hand, the World Cup winner was also nominated for another award apart from the MLS MVP. Meanwhile, fans are constantly questioning the return of Lionel Messi, who has been out of action for weeks.
Fans shocked as Lionel Messi gets nominated for MLS MVP
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Just moments ago, news surfaced that Lionel Messi has been nominated for not one, but two prestigious awards. The La Pulga has been shortlisted for the MLS MVP (Most Valuable Player) and the MLS Newcomer of the Year. While getting nominated and even winning the ‘newcomer’ award resonates with everyone, it’s the MVP award that has raised a few eyebrows.
Even though he helped the Herons win the Leagues Cup, many question why he got shortlisted for the MVP award. This comes as an even greater surprise when we consider that he has played just four games in the MLS. Following the breakout of this news, soccer fans have taken to the internet to share their confused and surprised reactions.
This fan mimicked Chelsea’s legendary player Didier Drogba, calling it an absolute ‘disgrace’!
Absolute disgrace that he’s even nominated. What a joke. Nominated by no one but the actual league itself. Which says a lot. https://t.co/qgv6Dzx22Y
— Vince Altadonna (@JustaGoofball) October 5, 2023
The fanbase fired a few serious shots at MLS.
MLS can’t be serious with this type of 💩
— Saul moreno (@saulRayos7) October 5, 2023
This fan reasons why Lionel Messi shouldn’t be a contender for the MVP.
Zero surprise that Miami would submit his name. Wouldn't even be shocked if he was voted into something like Newcomer by those voting for 'raising the profile of the league' or something made up.
But after seeing 247 minutes in MLS w/ 1g/2a… he's not a serious award contender
— Matt Baker (@MattBakerSTL) October 5, 2023
Fans are mocking Lionel Messi too over this nomination.
MLS MVP for playing 4 games Lmao his whole career sums up in this tweet 😂😂
— Ben (@BenOfMadrid14) October 6, 2023
A few fans suggested different names for the award.
Newcomer, fine. MVP? Nah that’s crazy if it’s just based on league play, maybe next year. Acosta deserves it anyway by miles
— Jak Mac (@JakWMac) October 5, 2023
Yeahhh, no. Others are more deserving of MVP.
— Crystal (@CCuadra8) October 5, 2023
Who? Top 2 should be Acosta and Burki. By a wide margin
— Chris ⭕🌹 (@cld711) October 5, 2023
Taunts all around the place today!
Anything to make the good little boy happy 😁
— MMC (@M3L0C) October 5, 2023
A joke, embarrassment, and what not!
Super embarrassing
— Chris (@dcFaddy) October 5, 2023
Yeah this is a complete joke.
— The Lions 🇺🇸 (@TheLlions) October 5, 2023
The fans are sad too.
This is sad, even by MLS standards. ..
— Im tired. Tired? Yes, I'm f@#$ing tired. (@Imtired161) October 5, 2023
A fan calls out the higher authorities over a serious claim!
The Messi glazing needs to stop.
— Egghead Gregg (@PessimisticTho1) October 5, 2023
A fan threatens the ones who are voting that Lionel Messi should win the MVP award.
Whoever votes Messi for MVP should be banned for ever voting anything MLS related moving forward. https://t.co/xWKd9uHy7V
— Michele Giannone (@MicheleG3) October 5, 2023
Certainly, fans are pointing fingers at the MLS for nominating the Argentinian superstar for an award that is given after considering one’s performance throughout the MLS season. But Lionel Messi has not even crossed 10 games. Imagine if he won it, then undoubtedly the current rage of the soccer fanbase might get out of hand. Expanding on that, let’s take a closer look at Messi’s first season with Miami so far.
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Lionel Messi’s first season with Inter Miami
The first season of Lionel Messi at Inter Miami was quite a rollercoaster ride. Thanks to his soccer prowess, the skipper managed to make the majority of people fall in love with him in the USA. Subsequently, he also helped the Herons win the Leagues Cup, which was the club’s first-ever silverware. Additionally, in seven matches of that cup tournament, he managed to score 10 goals and clinch an assist.
Meanwhile, he also registered two assists in the US Open, which Inter Miami failed to win in his absence. As for the MLS, in four games, he scored just one goal on his official league debut. Although he could have played a couple more games, the injury forced him out of action. Luckily, he is close to returning so he can push for ending the season on a decent note.
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