Messi loses MLS award to ex-Celtic star after winning Ballon d’Or

The Argentine star was recently presented with the Ballon d’Or award, making it the eighth time he has won the award.

The Inter Miami star became the first ever football player to win the award eight times surpassing his rival Cristiano Ronaldo.

However, the World Cup winner missed out on claiming another award in the MLS a few days later.

Messi was not able to win the MLS Newcomer of the Year Award, one of soccer's most coveted awards, despite winning his eighth Ballon d'Or this year.

In a season that saw the Five Stripes finish sixth and earn a spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs, Atlanta United striker Giorgos Giakoumakis was named the winner of the award. 

According to reports from Daily Mail, Giakoumakis scored 17 goals in his debut season and the former Celtics player finished in a tie for second place in the Golden Boot race.

Giakoumakis trailed Los Angeles FC's Golden Boot winner Denis Bouanga by three goals and was tied with Cincinnati attacker and MVP favourite Luciano Acosta.

Lionel Messi who recently won the Ballon d’Or award missed out on claiming the award despite also having a good spell since his arrival.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner recorded 11 goals and eight assists In 11 games for David Beckham’s MLS club.

Since his arrival at Inter Miami, the fortune of the team changed, making them successful by winning the US Open Cup game.

However, despite his performance for his new team, he was beaten to the MLS Newcomer of the Year Award.