Messi up for MLS award despite playing just six games

Lionel Messi is one of three finalists for the award

Lionel Messi has been named as a finalist for Major League Soccer's Newcomer of the Year award after playing just six league games for Inter Miami.

He has claimed 11 goals and eight assists in all competitions, helping Miami win the inaugural Leagues Cup.

Messi is favourite to win the Ballon d'Or on Monday after helping Argentina win the 2022 World Cup.

The other MLS Newcomer of the Year finalists are Atalanta United's Greece forward Giorgos Giakoumakis, and St Louis City midfielder Eduard Lowen.

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