Inter Miami‘s loss against FC Cincinnati sealed their fate as they are out of the MLS competition for this season. Lionel Messi will now be without club action for 4 months after Miami’s match against FC Charlotte. Messi’s absence due to his prolonged injury sustained in the international break came to haunt Gerardo Martino as their talisman was only able to play around 35 minutes in his last 5 matches. However, despite taking the best precautions, Argentina has taken a drastic step in tackling Messi’s injury for the CONMEBOL.

Lionel Messi’s injury came as a major blow to Gerardo Martino. But despite playing under 300 minutes in the MLS, the Argentinean soccer star has been nominated for the Landon Donovan MVP award. However, some critics feel his nomination is not justified.

Argentina plays it safe with Lionel Messi

The international break has begun and Lionel Messi is in Rosario and has joined the Argentina National Team. Argentina will be facing Paraguay in their first match in the CONMEBOL before heading to Peru for their second match. However, as per TNT Sports journalist, Antonela Valderrey, Argentina has decided to take it slow with Messi citing his scar injury.

There are reports that Messi will be out of action for Argentina in both of their upcoming matches. Even if the World Cup Champion plays for the team, it will not be for 180 minutes. This could be a precautionary step by Lionel Scaloni to not aggravate Messi’s injury who’s just recovered recently.

Messi last completed 90 minutes of soccer against Ecuador. The Miami forward scored a free-kick in the game to seal a 1-0 victory for Argentina but was soon caught asking for a substitution in the dying moments of the game. Soon Messi tried to help his Miami team against Toronto but citing issues with his leg was taken off the pitch.

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However, a loss in game times hasn’t become a hurdle for the Argentinean to get nominated for the MLS Year-end awards. Pundits and critics were left shocked as Lionel Messi was nominated for the award despite only playing 247 minutes for the club in MLS.

Lionel Messi’s nomination seems out of place

Messi’s nomination for the Landon Donovan MVP award has sparked a heated debate within the MLS community. Despite his undeniable impact on Inter Miami’s recent Leagues Cup victory, concerns have arisen regarding the appropriateness of Messi’s inclusion among the nominees. Critics have been quick to point out Messi’s relatively modest stats, with just one goal and two assists in four games played over 247 minutes.

Herculez Gomez, a prominent voice in MLS circles, voiced his disapproval of Messi’s nomination, drawing comparisons between Messi’s performance and that of Luciano Acosta, who boasts more impressive statistics. The 2023 MLS Year-End Award nominations have generated considerable excitement. There’s fierce competition in the MVP race, where players like Hany Mukhtar and Luciano Acosta are vying for the coveted title.

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Meanwhile, St. Louis goalkeeper Roman Burki is making a determined bid for the MVP award, but front-runners Hector Herrera and Thiago Almada are not to be underestimated. In the Newcomer of the Year category, strong contenders like Eduard Lowen and Giorgos Giakoumakis are also in the spotlight, adding further intrigue to an already captivating award season.