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RECORD DATE NOT STATED Leagues Cup 2023 Nashville USA vs Inter de Miami USA Final Lionel Messi of Inter de Miami during the game Nashville vs Inter de Miami, corresponding to the Great Final of the Leagues Cup 2023, at Geodis Park Stadium, on August 19, 2023. brbr Lionel Messi de Inter de Miami durante el partido Nashville vs Inter de Miami, correspondiente a la Gran Final de la Leagues Cup 2023, en el Estadio Geodis Park, el 19 de Agosto de 2023. NASHVILLE TEENNESSEE ESTADOS UNIDOS PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxMEXxCHNxRUS Copyright: xJosexLuisxMelgarejox 20230819222119_LC_23_FINAL_NSH_MIA_MESSI111

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RECORD DATE NOT STATED Leagues Cup 2023 Nashville USA vs Inter de Miami USA Final Lionel Messi of Inter de Miami during the game Nashville vs Inter de Miami, corresponding to the Great Final of the Leagues Cup 2023, at Geodis Park Stadium, on August 19, 2023. brbr Lionel Messi de Inter de Miami durante el partido Nashville vs Inter de Miami, correspondiente a la Gran Final de la Leagues Cup 2023, en el Estadio Geodis Park, el 19 de Agosto de 2023. NASHVILLE TEENNESSEE ESTADOS UNIDOS PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxMEXxCHNxRUS Copyright: xJosexLuisxMelgarejox 20230819222119_LC_23_FINAL_NSH_MIA_MESSI111
Is Lionel Messi not a deserving candidate for an individual award this season? The master from Argentina had a glorious 2023, completing his set of trophies with Argentina in Qatar. Even though he is now a contender for the Ballon d’Or, on the domestic front, however, his nomination for an MLS award went over the heads of two former players.
MLS has undoubtedly grown over the years with some highly reputed players coming in. Initiated by Inter Miami owner David Beckham himself, the league followed up with stars like Thierry Henry, Kaka, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. But this time, the country is excited like never before.
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Former USA Star calls the selection of Lionel Messi, a howler
Lionel Messi joined the MLS as a World Cup winner and also won the league in France during his short tenure with PSG. His arrival had already held more weight than previous stars. But the excitement of the MLS went further, as they named the Argentine as a nominee for their Newcomer of the Season award. In a show hosted by ESPN FC, former soccer stars Sebastian Salazar and Herculez Gomez slammed MLS for this apparent howler.
Salazar openly said that he did not vote for Messi, stating “Clearly for what he did in MLS, you can’t give him the Newcomer of the Year.”Well, I know I didn’t vote for Lionel Messi.”
Apart from the Leagues Cup run, Messi’s performance did not impress the two stars, as he scored just once and assisted twice in 6 matches he played in the MLS. The Inter Miami captain was unavailable because of his injury and could not take Miami to the playoffs either. On this note, Hercules Gomez mentions that if Messi were to win the award, it would embarrass even the Argentine and how in truth, La Pulga does not meet the criteria to win the award.
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Messi does not meet the criteria for the award, says Gomez
Gomez, who won two MLS trophies, is well-versed in the League and its rules. The player called out the selection of Messi, saying that he cannot qualify as per the rules. The rules state that a player is eligible for nomination based on their performances and also their presence from the beginning of the season.

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RECORD DATE NOT STATED Leagues Cup 2023 Cruz Azul MEX 1-2 Inter de Miami USA Lionel Messi of Inter Miami during the game Cruz Azul vs Inter Miami, corresponding to the group stage of the Leagues Cup 2023, at DRV PNK Stadium, on July 21, 2023. brbr Lionel Messi de Inter Miami durante el partido Cruz Azul vs Inter de Miami, correspondiente a la fase de grupos de la Leagues Cup 2023, en el Estadio DRV PNK, el 21 de Julio de 2023. FORT LAUDERDALE FLORIDA ESTADOS UNIDOS PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxMEXxCHNxRUS Copyright: xDavidxLeahx 20230721173834_LC_23_CAZ_MIA_MESSI19
Apart from the league, Gomez also emphasized that performances from no other competitions can be taken into account. The Leagues Cup that Lionel Messi ruled was the prime intention of stating the regulation. As Messi’s name continues to do rounds in trophy conversations, the former Barcelona player will be busy with the Ballon d’Or ceremony scheduled for the 30th of this month.
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WATCH THIS STORY: 6 Days After Cristiano Ronaldo Ended Lionel Messi Rivalry, Jimmy Butler Reignites GOAT Debate, Bringing In Close Friend Neymar Jr.
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