It’s been a bittersweet first season at Inter Miami for Lionel Messi. Since the Argentine World Cup winner joined the MLS club in July 2023, he has ignited widespread interest in soccer in the country. However, after the Inter Miami captain was selected to be in the running for the MLS Newcomer of the Year award, one ESPN pundit questioned Messi’s nomination on the list.

Despite a poor showing in the MLS after joining midway through the season, Messi put up staggering numbers in Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup run. Messi top scored the tournament netting 10 goals and bagging 3 assists in 7 games as Miami lifted the Leagues Cup. But in comparison, Messi scored just 1 goal and made 2 assists in 6 games in the MLS.

ESPN FC pundit Herculez Gomez baffled by the nomination of Lionel Messi

Former USMNT player Herculez Gomez is, perhaps, well known for his analysis and comments about the MLS and soccer in North and South America. Gomez, who is a regular speaker on the ESPN FC podcast, has now made a comment about Lionel Messi being nominated for the MLS Newcomer of the Year award on his personal X handle.

Taking to X to tweet about Messi’s nomination, Gomez said: “Messi is Messi but you can’t justify him making it as a finalist for this award.”  Adding a bit of humor, Gomez further added: “Peak MLS”

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Herculez Gomez’s comments come right after Inter Miami’s final game of the season against Charlotte. Despite Lionel Messi starting for Miami, the Herons lost 1-0 to Charlotte in what was Messi’s final appearance for the club this season.

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Inter Miami lose the final game of the season despite Messi starting

Against Charlotte on Sunday, Miami capitulated to a 1-0 loss as Kerwin Vargas’ goal in the 13th minute was enough to secure 3 points for Charlotte on their home turf. Despite moments of brilliance and a close offside call that ruled out a goal after Messi chipped the Charlotte goalkeeper in the 48th minute, the Argentine maestro couldn’t help Miami end their 2023 season with a win. This further echoes Messi’s inability to replicate his staggering League Cup performances in the MLS.

Subsequently, it certainly seems as though ESPN pundit Herculez Gomez’s comments are justified given Messi’s underperformance in the MLS. However, Messi did only join Inter Miami midway through the season.

While Messi being nominated for the MLS Newcomer of the Year award is debatable, all eyes will be on the start of the 2024 MLS season that kicks off in February 2024 as Inter Miami fans will be hoping Messi can captain the franchise to their first MLS league title.

Watch this story:  He Deserves That” – As Lionel Messi Gets Close to His 8th Ballon d’Or, Inter Milan Boss States 26YO Argentina Star is Equally Worthy of the Honor