Lionel Messi has been nominated for a prestigious award that no MLS player has ever won.
After his success with Inter Miami last season, Lionel Messi has won countless noble personal achievements. Recently, the Argentine superstar is facing the opportunity to bring a noble title to MLS.
Specifically, Messi has been nominated for the King of America Award , an award to honor the best South American football player of the year.
The King of America is one of the most prestigious football titles, awarded to the best player in South America. This award usually honors stars who have made outstanding contributions to football in the region, both at club and national team level.
Notably, the award has never been won by a player playing in MLS , and the last time it was won by a player outside South America was in 2007, when Salvador Cabanas won the award while playing for Mexico’s Club America. Last year, Messi’s current teammate Luis Suarez finished second in the race while playing for Gremio.
If he wins the prestigious title, El Pulga will follow in the footsteps of football legends such as Pele, Diego Maradona and Zico, thereby helping MLS become famous throughout the continent.
Last season, Messi, at the age of 37, still showed his brilliant form both for Inter Miami and the Argentina national team.
The former Barca and PSG star was a key factor in Inter Miami’s journey to conquer the MLS Supporters’ Shield, contributing 23 goals and 13 assists in 25 appearances, bringing home the first major title in the team’s history.
At the national team, Messi has contributed seven goals with four assists after 14 appearances, thereby helping La Albiceleste win the Copa America 2024 and almost secure a ticket to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in South America.
Currently, the 2022 World Cup champion is taking time to rest before returning in the new season with upcoming plans.
List of nominees for King of America Awards
- Lionel Messi – Inter Miami
- Thiago Almada – Botafogo
- Luis Enrique – Botafogo
- Jefferson Savarino – Botafogo
- Leonardo Fernandez – Penarol
