Despite Goal in Debut, Lionel Messi Ditched by MLS as $3,250,000-Rated Teammate Makes TOTM Best XI

Lionel Messi came on the pitch for Leonardo Campana in the 89th minute against New York Red Bulls FC making his MLS debut. The Argentinian secured the win by scoring the second goal, wrapping up the game for Miami. Messi displayed sharp vision to find Benjamin Cremaschi on the right and curl the ball to him, who then assisted it back to Messi as he tapped it in. But this wasn’t enough for MLS to include him in the Team of the Matchday (TOTM).

It was another Inter Miami player who made it to the TOTM. The Paraguayan had a great game and was instrumental in Miami’s win over over NY Red Bulls. Let’s find out who he is.

Inter Miami’s midfielder in MLS’s TOTM

Diego Gomez, Inter Miami’s midfielder, scored Miami’s first goal in the 37th minute giving them the lead. A great cross by Noah Allen to find Diego Gomez in the middle, who then hits the bottom right of the net.

The Paraguayan first made his debut in Inter Miami’s 3-1 win over Orlando City in the Leagues Cup round of 32. Since then he has made five appearances for the club. The crucial goal secured his spot at MLS’s TOTM.

Lionel Messi was kept on the bench in the TOTM. The Argentinian was only substituted in the 89th minute when Miami was already leading with Gomez’s goal. Messi’s goal only solidified Miami’s win and hence, Gomez was placed over him. It is the first club goal for the $3,250,000 million rated soccer star.

The Paraguayan has been called up for the Paraguay National Team as they head on to play their World Cup 2026 Qualifier matches. Gomez will be joining his national team after Miami’s game against Los Angeles FC on September 3.

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Let’s have a look at how the game week went for other players.

Cut-throat competition for the MLS Golden Boot

Thiago Almada, Atlanta United’s star player, raked in 1 goal and gave 2 assists to join MLS’s TOTM. Almada was also named the man of the match for his spectacular performance against Nashville SC. The Argentinian now has scored 9 goals and produced 12 assists this season for Atlanta.

Almada’s teammate Miles Robinson also saw his name pop up in TOTM for keeping a clean sheet against Nashville SC.

Orlando City striker and Uruguayan international, Facundo Torres, was once goal-placed in the TOTM. Facundo scored the opening goal before St. Louis equalized in the 78th minute by Rasmus Alm’s goal. The Orlando City striker then went on to score a late penalty securing a win for Orlando City.

The Uruguayan has now raked in 10 goals and 3 assists in 22 matches for Orlando City.

Cincinnati FC’s Luciano Acosta made two assists that secured Cincinnati’s win against New York City FC. Hany Mukhtar leads the top goal scorer list with 12 goals while Thiago Almada leads with 13 assists as things stand.

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Who do you think will win the MLS Golden Boot 2023? Let us know in the comments!