Lionel Messi fails to win MLS Newcomer of the Year award days after picking up eighth Ballon d'Or

Posted Friday, November 03, 2023 by sportbible

Lionel Messi may have won a record eighth Ballon d'Or on Monday, but the 36-year-old missed out on one other prestigious award.

Messi cemented his legacy as perhaps the greatest player of all time when he collected the 2023 Ballon d'Or, beating the likes of Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe to the infamous prize.

However, the World Cup winner missed out on the MLS Newcomer of the Year Award, despite a brilliant start to life with Inter Miami.

The award went to Atlanta United striker Giorgos Giakoumakis instead, who scored 17 goals and helped his side to a sixth-place finish in the league and a MLS Cup Playoff spot.

Messi moved to Inter Miami from Paris Saint-Germain over the summer, and rediscovered his very best form at the club co-owned by David Beckham.

The 'little magician' bagged 10 goals on his side's run to the Leagues Cup final, helping deliver Inter Miami's first ever piece of silverware.

However, Messi was not quite so prolific in the MLS, scoring just two goals and providing two assists in six matches. While that is a return not be sniffed at, the former Barcelona star has set himself incredibly high standards.

Upon winning the Ballon d'Or, Messi said: "Thanks to everyone, especially my teammates. Thank you to everyone who voted for me. This Ballon d'Or is a great gift for all of Argentina. I don't want to forget Haaland or Mbappé, who had a great year, spectacular, and in the coming years they will win this award.

"The level [of competition] never decreases, I have been lucky to be here for many years. I want to provide a special mention for all those people who were happy that Argentina became world champions.

"Thanks also to all my family, my wife, my children, for being there in the worst moments, and they have helped me fulfill my dreams in football. Without you it would not have been possible."