Lionel Messi, the globally celebrated football superstar, added another historic milestone to his illustrious career by clinching his eighth Ballon d’Or award, a testament to his extraordinary performance in Argentina’s World Cup victory in Qatar. This achievement was closely followed by his high-profile mid-season transfer to Inter Miami, which brought an unprecedented level of attention and excitement to Major League Soccer (MLS). Messi’s arrival in Miami transformed the club into a magnet for football fans, eager to witness the maestro’s skills on the American stage.
Despite the fanfare surrounding Messi, the 2022 MLS season unfolded with a surprise. While Messi’s presence boosted the league’s profile and brought significant financial benefits, it was Greek striker Giorgos Giakoumakis who emerged as the standout performer. His exceptional debut season with Atlanta United led to a historic moment for the club, as Giakoumakis became the recipient of the MLS Newcomer of the Year award, an accolade previously won by Messi’s compatriot Thiago Almada in 2022.
Giakoumakis, arriving from Celtic in February, wasted no time in making his mark in MLS. His first season was nothing short of spectacular, with a tally of 17 goals and three assists in 27 games. His consistent and high-impact performances caught the attention of MLS stakeholders, including players, coaches, technical staff, and reporters. The Greek striker won the award with a convincing 45.8 percent of the votes, outperforming Messi, who received 27.3 percent, and Eduard Lowen of St. Louis City SC, who garnered 15.4 percent.
Messi’s journey in MLS, while hugely influential in drawing global attention, faced challenges. A leg injury sustained during international duty in September limited his playing time significantly. Over the course of six matches, Messi logged just 372 minutes on the field, contributing one goal and two assists. Despite his efforts, Inter Miami missed the playoff spot, and Messi’s contributions couldn’t propel the team to postseason glory. Notably, the voting for the award considered only regular-season performances, excluding Messi’s achievements in the Leagues Cup.
Giakoumakis’ victory in the MLS Newcomer of the Year voting was not just a personal triumph; it underscored the competitive nature and unpredictability of MLS. His ability to adapt quickly to a new league and make an immediate impact is a testament to his skill and determination. Upon receiving the award, Giakoumakis expressed his satisfaction and acknowledged the significance of winning in a field that included a football legend like Messi. “I’m really happy and satisfied for winning this trophy,” he said. “It has different gravity when you win and you’re competing against Messi. So I think the gravity of this prize is even bigger right now.”
In summary, the 2022 MLS season was a narrative of unexpected twists and stellar performances. While Lionel Messi’s arrival in MLS was a landmark event, bringing heightened attention and excitement, it was Giorgos Giakoumakis who stole the spotlight with his outstanding debut season. His recognition as the MLS Newcomer of the Year is not only a personal accolade but also a reflection of the diverse and competitive nature of the league, where new talents can emerge and shine, even in the presence of the world’s greatest footballers.
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