Lionel Messi, the Argentine star who played only six league matches for Inter Miami, was one of three finalists named for Major League Soccer’s Newcomer of the Year award on Thursday.
The 36-year-old forward, who led Argentina to victory in the World Cup in Qatar, propelled Miami to the Leagues Cup championship in a competition involving MLS and Mexican league teams in August.
Messi made his MLS debut for Miami on August 26, coming on as a substitute in the second half and scoring a goal in Inter’s 2-0 triumph over the New York Red Bulls, ending their 11-match winless run.
However, hindered by a late-season leg injury, Messi was unable to guide Miami out of the bottom of the league standings and into the MLS playoffs.
Since joining Inter Miami in July, Messi has been a significant source of revenue for MLS, generating income through jersey sales and contributing to increased sales of MLS season pass subscriptions. His presence has also led to a surge in ticket sales at Miami’s matches.
Messi’s competitors for the Newcomer of the Year award, which is open to individuals with professional experience who made their MLS debuts this year, include Greek forward Giorgos Giakoumakis of Atlanta United and German midfielder Eduard Lowen of St. Louis City.
While Messi had also been nominated for the MLS Most Valuable Player award, he did not make the final three contenders in that category.
The trio featured MLS Golden Boot recipient Denis Bouanga, a French-born player representing Gabon on Los Angeles FC, Argentine midfielder Luciano Acosta from FC Cincinnati, the team with the most regular-season victories, and another standout Argentine, Thiago Almada of Atlanta