Lionel Messi has been awarded MLS Player of the Matchday for the first time since he joined Inter Miami, with a lead role against Sporting Kansas City. Messi received the award after a stunning performance against Kansas City. This puts him in record books alongside USMNT legend Landon Donovan and Thierry Henry.
The Argentine phenom was magical in that matchup, as he scored one and secured another in a 3-2 win for Miami. Messi’s success was witnessed by over 72,000 spectators at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City; the fourth-largest attendance for an MLS fixture.
Lionel’s strike in that game was outstanding, as he fired home from outside the box while teaming up with Diego Gomez in the 18th minute. Luis Suarez delivered the decisive goal for Inter Miami as they reached the top of the Eastern Conference.
Lionel Messi’s efforts have been recognised with MVP honours for Matchday 9. This is not surprising as he has become the first player to deliver at least five goals and the same number of assists through his first five games of the year. Messi has also joined other greats like Landon Donovan, Arsenal legend Thierry Henry and Raul Diaz Acre in scoring at least 10 goal contributions through five matches to start an MLS campaign.
