Messi overshadowed by a compatriot

Published:

By: Manu Tournoux

The Argentinian from Cincinnati wins the 2023 MLS MVP trophy ahead of Lionel Messi, Inter Miami striker.

Lionel Messi is not the best player in MLS in 2023. Indeed, it was Luciano Acosta, the Cincinnati playmaker, who was elected League MVP with 60.3% of the votes.

The Argentina international has scored 17 goals and delivered 14 assists this season, which put him ahead of Denis Bouanga (14.9%), Thiago Almada (6.4%), and the eight-time Ballon d’Or.

The 2022 world champion, who joined Inter Miami last summer, has been unable to compete with Acosta. The Argentina captain made just 6 league appearances for the Herons, scoring one goal and providing two assists.