In the realm of American soccer, the Major League Soccer (MLS) is abuzz with the revelation of the nominees for the 2023 individual awards. However, the surprise comes not from any other than the absence of the legendary Lionel Messi as the standout of this season, but the emergence of the young Argentine talent, Thiago Almada, from Atlanta United.
While Messi drew a crowd of eyes when joining Inter Miami, his journey in the MLS did not live up to the expectations of fans and observers. His inclusion in the category of Best Newcomer, rather than Player of the Year, raises questions about the real impact the global soccer icon had in his first season in the American league.
Meanwhile, the name of Thiago Almada is resonating strongly in the corridors of the MLS, as evidenced by his nomination for the coveted Player of the Year award. The 22-year-old, hailing from Vélez Sarsfield, showcased a remarkable performance, contributing 12 goals and 17 assists in 33 matches, capturing the attention of soccer enthusiasts and experts alike.
The fierce competition in the MLS is evident with players like Dénis Bouanga from Los Angeles FC and Luciano Acosta from Cincinnati also vying for individual glory. Furthermore, the presence of other emerging talents, such as the Greek Giorgos Giakoumakis and the German Eduard Löwen, adds an intriguing international flavor to the mix of contenders.
As the spotlight turns to these players, it is imperative to acknowledge the merit of other standout athletes in their respective categories, like João Paulo, who resurfaced with mastery, defending the Seattle Sounders after an injury.
While Messi’s absence from the main list is notable, it raises the crucial question about the evolution of soccer in the United States and the growing competitiveness in the MLS. Messi’s impact may have been more symbolic than effective in terms of results, while the rise of new talents like Almada highlights the increasing quality and diversity within the league.
As the season approaches its decisive moments, the anticipation is high to see who will claim the MLS spotlight and leave their mark on the history of American soccer.