The Argentinian World Cup winner and the reigning MLS MVP go head-to-head in the Leagues Cup final at Geodis Park later today.
William GittinsWillGittUpdate: Aug 19th, 2023 17:25 EDT
The 2023 Leagues Cup reaches its dramatic conclusion on Saturday evening as Nashville SC take on Inter Miami in the final at Geodis Park.
There is little doubt that the two finalists are deserving of their place in the final after a month of thrilling action. Nashville and Miami also boast two of the outstanding performers in this year’s tournament: Hany Mukhtar and Lionel Messi.
Both players are central to their team’s style of play and have been the difference makers on their way to the final. Ahead of tonight’s final, we take a look at Messi vs Mukhtar.
Remember, Nashville SC vs Inter Miami is available on the streaming platform Apple TV, via the subscription service MLS Season Pass.
Messi vs Mukhtar: League Cup stats
Although they typically play in slightly different positions both Messi and Mukhtar are at the very heart of their side’s attacking play. Messi has tended to start on the right wing and drift inside, while Mukhtar is a more traditional Number 10.
Messi, playing closer to the opposition goal, has been in incredible goal-scoring form for Inter Miami. He has struck nine goals in six games and leads the Leagues Cup scoring charts.
Mukhtar has played slightly deeper and taken on more of the creative burden for his team. His five Leagues Cup assists is bettered only by Minnesota United’s Emanuel Reynoso. Mukhtar is also in second place for key passes, recording 15 in six matches.
A place among @MLS legends 🫡Hany Mukhtar is the fifth-fastest player in MLS history to produce 50 career goals and 30 career assists (93 matches).Only Carlos Vela (69), Sebastian Giovinco (78), Robbie Keane (82) and Jaime Moreno (92) did it faster. pic.twitter.com/zM2kQgw8tY
— Nashville SC (@NashvilleSC) May 21, 2023
Messi vs Mukhtar: Individual awards
There are few players in the history of the game who can compete with Lionel Messi’s haul of individual awards. The 36-year-old holds the record for the most Ballon d’Or awards (seven) and most European Golden Shoes (six), amongst a plethora of other gongs.
He was named the LaLiga Best Player on six occasions and finished as the league’s top goal scorer in eight seasons. He has been named Argentine Footballer of the Year 15 times.
"Without Messi in this league, [Hany Mukhtar] is probably the best 10."@FelipeCar previews Saturday's Leagues Cup final between Inter Miami and Nashville. 🏆 pic.twitter.com/fiePrwPYrg
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) August 17, 2023
Hany Muhtar may not be able to compete with Messi’s incredible collection, but in recent seasons he has hoovered up the individual awards in MLS. He was named in the MLS Best XI in 2021 and 2022 and played in the MLS All-Star game in 2022 and 2023.
Last season was his most impressive to date as he finished the year with the MLS Golden Boot and MLS Most Valuable Player award.
Messi vs Mukhtar: Salary
The two talismanic ps in the League Cup final could well be the two most talented players in MLS. However they have very different global profiles and are compensated very differently for their efforts.
According to the MLS Players Association, which lists official player salaries, Hany Mukhtar receives a guaranteed compensation package of $3.2 million from Nashville. This is the 17th-highest salary listed by the Association.
Did it all for tomorrow 😤#NSHvMIA pic.twitter.com/JkVjWjOT7a
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 19, 2023
