After Messi joined MLS, here are the 2023 Year-End Awards finalists

Despite his limited appearances for Inter Miami, Lionel Messi’s influence is undeniable, earning him a spot among the finalists for the 2023 MLS Year-End Awards.

Messi’s Impact on the 2023 MLS Year-End Awards Finalists

In his first 11 games with the David Beckham-backed MLS club, Messi showcased his brilliance by tallying 11 goals and providing eight assists.

This remarkable performance contributed to Inter Miami’s impressive unbeaten record of 10-1-0 (W-D-L) in the matches where Messi was featured.

Additionally, Messi helped secure a trophy for Inter Miami during their unbeaten run, highlighting his ability to make a significant impact in the league.

The 2023 MLS Year-End Awards Finalists

Major League Soccer recently unveiled the finalists for the 2023 MLS Year-End Awards, a recognition of the top performers during the regular season.

These awards celebrate outstanding individuals representing 13 MLS clubs. The winners will be announced throughout the Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs, adding an extra layer of excitement to the postseason.

Among the clubs, Atlanta United, FC Cincinnati, and St. Louis CITY SC stand out as the most represented, with finalists in four award categories each.

MLS Nominees for the 2023 Year-End Awards

• Landon Donovan MLS MVP Finalists:
  1. Luciano Acosta – FC Cincinnati
  2. Thiago Almada – Atlanta United
  3. Dénis Bouanga – LAFC
• Sigi Schmid MLS Coach of the Year Finalists:
  1. Bradley Carnell – St. Louis CITY SC
  2. Wilfried Nancy – Columbus Crew
  3. Pat Noonan – FC Cincinnati
• MLS Newcomer of the Year Finalists:
  1. Giorgos Giakoumakis – Atlanta United
  2. Eduard Löwen – St. Louis CITY SC
  3. Lionel Messi – Inter Miami CF
• MLS Young Player of the Year Finalists:
  1. Thiago Almada – Atlanta United
  2. Duncan McGuire – Orlando City SC
  3. Aidan Morris – Columbus Crew
• Allstate MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Finalists:
  1. Roman Bürki – St. Louis CITY SC
  2. Roman Celentano – FC Cincinnati
  3. Pedro Gallese – Orlando City SC
• MLS Defender of the Year Finalists:
  1. Yeimar Gómez Andrade – Seattle Sounders FC
  2. Matt Miazga – FC Cincinnati
  3. Tim Parker – St. Louis CITY SC
• MLS Comeback Player of the Year Finalists:
  1. João Paulo – Seattle Sounders FC
  2. Alan Pulido – Sporting Kansas City
  3. Miles Robinson – Atlanta United
• Audi Goals Drive Progress Impact Award Finalists:
  1. Alejandro Bedoya – Philadelphia Union
  2. Darlington Nagbe – Columbus Crew
  3. Taylor Washington – Nashville SC
• MLS Referee of the Year Finalists:
  1. Jon Freemon
  2. Victor Rivas
  3. Ted Unkel
• MLS Assistant Referee of the Year Finalists:
  1. Michael Barwegan
  2. Cam Blanchard
  3. Ian McKay

The announcement of the award winners during the playoffs adds an exciting dimension to the MLS season, allowing fans and players to celebrate the league’s standout performers.