Lionel Messi headlines 2023 MLS MVP nominations

Lionel Messi is the headline name among the 30 players nominated for the 2023 Landon Donovan MLS MVP award.

Messi's impact in Miami has been truly remarkable, leading the struggling franchise to Leagues Cup glory and a place in the US Open Cup final.

But the 36-year-old has appeared just four times in MLS, including one outing as a substitute, and has missed Miami's last four games in all competitions with a hamstring injury. His absence has been glaring as Gerardo 'Tata' Martino's side have slumped to defeat in three of those games, most notably losing 2-1 to Houston Dynamo in the aforementioned US Open Cup finale.

It's unclear whether Messi will return to action before the end of the MLS season, though there's cautious optimism, despite the words of Martino, that he may be able to face FC Cincinnati in some capacity.

Messi has been nominated for the Landon Donovan MLS MVP award and also put forward for the Newcomer of the Year - teammate and long-time colleague at Barcelona, Sergio Busquets, is also in contention for both awards.

Atlanta United's Thiago Almada is another Argentine World Cup winner to have made the 30-strong shortlist - he's also been shortlisted for MLS' Young Player of the Year award.

Premier League alumni Christian Benteke and Carles Gil are also recognised for their performances at DC United and New England Revolution respectively.

MLS clubs determine the nominees and can put forward a maximum of two players for certain awards. Three groups will now have their say on who will take home the end of season awards - current MLS players, coaches and technical directors/general managers and selected media representatives who have provided consistent coverage of MLS throughout the 2023 season.

Votes will be open for just shy of two weeks, running from October 10 to October 23.

Landon Donovan MLS MVP nominees

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