Lionel Messi nominated for prestigious MLS award despite playing just four matches for Inter Miami

Lionel Messi has incredibly been nominated for the 2023 MLS MVP award — despite playing just four league matches for Inter Miami.

The 36-year-old has starred Stateside since linking up with the Herons in July following his Paris Saint-Germain departure.

He has chipped in with 11 goals and five assists in 12 games in all competitions — helping his side win the Leagues Cup in what is Miami's first piece of silverware.

However, he has appeared in just four Major League Soccer matches — starting three of them — where he has scored once and provided two assists.

Despite his limited action due to joining midway through the campaign along with his recent injury, he is among the 30-man shortlist for 'Landon Donovan MLS MVP' award.

Voting for the award begins on October 10 and will conclude on October 23, with current MLS players, coaches and directors as well as select media members to take part in the voting process.

Messi is one of two Inter players up for the trophy, along with ex-Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets, who has featured in eight MLS fixtures.

The pair have also been nominated for the MLS Newcomer of the Year Award.

Miami were bottom of the table in the Eastern Conference when the duo — along with Jordi Alba — moved to the DRV PNK Stadium this summer.

They have moved up just one place into 14th, though they do now sit five points off the play-off places with three games to go.

It remains to be seen when Messi will return to the pitch having missed the last four matches in all competitions with a muscle knock.

His lack of minutes in MLS has seen fans question whether he deserves to be included in the 30-man shortlist.

One fan posted on X: «There is a better argument for giving Taylor Swift NFL MVP than giving the injured