The 2023 MLS Best XI was announced Tuesday morning – but one large absence was noted, no Lionel Messi!
USMNT duo Matt Miazga and Walker Zimmerman highlighted the defense of the team, while World Cup winner Thiago Almada notched a spot in the midfield alongside MVP Lucho Acosta, ex-Atletico Madrid star Hector Herrera and former league MVP Hany Mukhtar. The front-three sports MLS Golden Boot winner Denis Bouanga, alongside Columbus Crew star Cucho Hernandez and MLS Newcomer of the Year Giorgos Giakoumakis.
Despite the fact that the Argentine led the Herons to glory in the inaugural Leagues Cup this season, Messi was always unlikely to be selected for the MLS Best XI as he only played in six regular season matches. Despite his heroics en route to winning the final, where he claimed the Golden Boot, his exclusion is purely because he did not play enough MLS league games.
