After helping Inter Miami CF earn its first-ever trophy, Lionel Messi has earned his first two MLS awards: Leagues Cup 2023 Top Scorer and Best Player.
Messi’s ten goals in seven matches was the top scoring performance of the tournament. Minnesota United’s Bongokuhle Hlongwane (7 goals in five matches) and Los Angeles Football Club’s Denis Bouanga (6 goals in three matches) came the closest to the Argentine superstar.
Messi opened his scoring ledger in his MLS and Leagues Cup 2023 debut against Cruz Azul, a stoppage time game-winning free kick that immediately went viral around the world.
He followed that up by scoring a brace in three consecutive matches, capping that run with a late free kick equalizer against FC Dallas to force penalties and keep Inter Miami CF’s title hopes alive.
He added a late goal to cap off a 4-0 thrashing of Charlotte FC and in his last match he scored the longest goal of his career in a 3-0 win over the Philadelphia Union in the semifinals.
