Lionel Messi is the Ballon d’Or winner but is beaten to prestigious MLS award by ex-Celtic man

Published: 21:21, 2 Nov 2023Updated: 21:21, 2 Nov 2023

Lionel Messi has lit up America since joining Inter Miami and has received loads of adulation, but has been beaten to an award by a former Celtic striker.

In six MLS games, he has one goal and two assists, but overall has 11 goals and five assists for David Beckham’s side.

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Messi has been excellent for Inter Miami

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ex-Celtic forward Giakoumakis made a greater impact then MessiCredit: Getty

But that wasn’t enough for the 2023 Ballon d’Or winner to scoop up the MLS Newcomer of the Year award, which has been claimed by Giorgos Giakoumakis.

Giakoumakis swapped Glasgow for Atlanta United in February this year. He has played 27 games for them, slamming home 17 goals.

He was Atlanta United’s big signing and has won the award which is selected by members of the media, players and coaches.

Perhaps controversially, Messi made it to the final three, but he only featured in six games, playing 372 minutes in the process.

Either way, Giakoumakis’ goalscoring exploits are unlikely to surprise too many Hoops supporters.

The Greece international smashed in 26 goals in 57 games for Celtic and has continued where he left off in America.

Meanwhile, Messi is unlikely to be crying himself to sleep after picking up his eighth Ballon d’Or earlier this week.

Lionel Messi wins record-breaking eighth Ballon d’Or as he beats Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe to prize

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