It’s been a few months since Lionel Messi left Paris Saint-Germain and joined Inter Miami as a free agent. The 36-year-old won Leagues Cup 2023 but has only played four matches in MLS.
However, despite the limited action, it isn’t stopping the Argentine from receiving a nomination for MLS MVP and MLS Newcomer of the Year. The news isn’t sitting well with fans since there are other more viable candidates for these honors.
Lionel Messi has been nominated for MLS MVP and MLS Newcomer of the Year. #LionelMessi #Messi #MLSMVP #MLS #MLSSeasonPass #interMiamiCF #InterMiami pic.twitter.com/xG8QpbaJVy
— Favian Renkel (@FavianRenkel) October 5, 2023
Messi could be missing even more games with Inter Miami, considering he’s been called up to the Argentina national team for the latest round of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches and is dealing with an injury. It will be interesting to see if the veteran earns any votes for these awards.
Could Messi be heading to Europe?
Inter Miami will likely not make the 2023 MLS Playoffs; as a result, Messi’s season will end in the fall. Furthermore, the league’s season won’t kick off until late February.
It’s important to note that if a team doesn’t make the playoffs in MLS, they can loan a player on a short-term loan deal to a European club. In the past, David Beckham was loaned out to AC Milan, and Thierry Henry was loaned out to Arsenal.
🚨Important: In MLS, if a team doesn't make the playoffs, they can loan a player on a short-term loan deal to a European club. 👀
– Beckham was loaned out to AC Milan
– Henry was loaned out to Arsenal #Messi #InterMiamiCF #MLS pic.twitter.com/jyxvJBcVU1— Inter Miami FC Hub (@Intermiamicfhub) October 5, 2023
Messi Earns MLS Award Nominations Fresh Off PSG Exit; Could Argentine Return to Europe?
Considering how the situation ended, a return to PSG isn’t likely in the cards, so all signs probably point to an FC Barcelona return. However, if injuries hamper Messi, would Inter Miami and the player want to risk a move to Spain?
