MLS Best XI 2023 : Lionel Messi, despite a stellar year that included a World Cup win, his eighth Ballon d’Or, and a historic Leagues Cup triumph with Inter Miami, finds himself excluded from the MLS Best XI for the 2023 season. The star-studded lineup, unveiled by MLS, features notable absentees, with Messi being the most prominent.
Let’s have a look into more details: MLS Best XI 2023
The distinguished 2023 MLS Best XI includes goalkeeper Roman Burki, defenders Matt Miazga, Tim Parker, Walker Zimmerman, midfielders Luciano Acosta, Thiago Almada, Hector Herrera, Hany Mukhtar, and forwards Denis Bouanga, Giorgos Giakoumakis, and Cucho Hernandez. Surprisingly, there’s no room for the Argentine maestro, highlighting the stringent selection criteria based on league performances.
Messi’s limited participation in the MLS, with just six regular-season matches due to mid-season arrival and injuries, likely contributed to his exclusion. Despite leading Inter Miami to the Leagues Cup glory and claiming the Golden Boot, the Argentine fell short in the league appearances required for the prestigious Best XI recognition.
Meanwhile, USMNT defenders Matt Miazga and Walker Zimmerman earned their spots in the defensive lineup, showcasing their standout performances throughout the season. With Thiago Almada, Lucho Acosta, Hector Herrera, and Hany Mukhtar dominating the midfield, and Denis Bouanga, Cucho Hernandez, and Giorgos Giakoumakis leading the attack, the Best XI reflects the outstanding contributions of these players in the 2023 MLS season.
MLS Best XI 2023: Lionel Messi Snubbed in MLS Best XI 2023, USMNT Stars Shine
As we await the Conference finals and the culmination of the 2023 season, the absence of Lionel Messi from the Best XI adds a surprising twist to the accolades, emphasizing the league’s focus on consistent performance throughout the season.
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