Being crowned with the prestigious Ballon d’Or doesn’t automatically earmark you as the MLS’s finest, as Lionel Messi recently discovered.
According to the league’s regulations, the MLS Rookie of the Year accolade found its way to Giorgos Giakoumakis, the Greek striker from Atlanta, leaving Messi in his wake.
Giakoumakis managed to clinch a significant 45.78% of the votes, dwarfing Messi’s 27.28%, while Eduard Leven trailed at the third spot with a 15.44% share.
Transitioning to the MLS from Celtic in February, Giakoumakis has made a substantial impact, netting 17 goals in 27 matches. Conversely, Messi’s MLS journey has seen him scoring a goal and assisting twice over six league appearances.
The scenario underscores the distinct criterion underpinning the MLS Rookie of the Year award, illustrating that a global recognition like the Ballon d’Or doesn’t seamlessly translate into domestic rookie accolades. The diverging trajectory of these two talented players sheds light on the multifaceted evaluation metrics within the MLS, carving a unique narrative in the realm of football accolades.
