Messi tops MLS goals and joins elite Best XI team

Lionel Messi, MLSs top goalscorer for the current campaign, earned a place in the leagues Best XI announcement on Wednesday, featuring six newcomers to the prestigious list.

The eight time Ballon dOr champion, Messi, instrumental in Argentinas 2022 World Cup triumph, registered a league record 29 goals with Inter Miami while also topping the assists with 19, a feat achieved by only one other player in a single season.

Additional strikers in this top tier selection comprise Denis Bouanga from Los Angeles FC hailing from Gabon, along with Anders Dreyer of San Diego FC from Denmark.

Dayne St Clair from Minnesota United secured the Best XI goalkeeping position, supported by defenders Tristan Blackmon of Vancouver, Alex Freeman from Orlando City, plus Philadelphia Unions standout Jakob Glesnes from Norway and Kai Wagner from Germany.

The midfield contingent includes Sebastian Berhalter of Vancouver, Brazils Evander from Cincinnati, and Seattles Cristian Roldan.

St Clair, who represents Canada, took home MLS Goalkeeper of the Year honours, Blackmon was named MLS Defender of the Year, and Dreyer received the MLS Newcomer of the Year award.

Debut appearances in the Best XI went to St Clair, Blackmon, Freeman, Roldan, Berhalter, and Dreyer.