Lionel Messi has been honored as the 2023 Time Athlete of the Year for his significant impact on Inter Miami and the MLS.
Lionel Messi, the captain of Argentina, has been honored as Time magazine’s Athlete of the Year for 2023. This recognition follows his record-breaking eighth Ballon d’Or win. Additionally, Messi’s move to Inter Miami has played a significant role in boosting the popularity of soccer in the United States.
Lionel Messi played a vital role in Argentina’s victory, securing their first World Cup title in 36 years by defeating France in the final last December.
TIME Magazine has handed out a Person of the Year award annually since 1927, with former winners including Franklin D. Roosevelt, Pope John XXIII, Richard Nixon, Barack Obama and Mark Zuckerberg.
TIME Magazine has been presenting the Person of the Year award each year since 1927. Past recipients include influential figures such as Franklin D. Roosevelt, Pope John XXIII, Richard Nixon, Barack Obama, and Mark Zuckerberg. Notable sports personalities like LeBron James, Simone Biles, and Aaron Judge have also been honored with this prestigious award.
On Tuesday, TIME Magazine declared Lionel Messi the Athlete of the Year for 2023.
The Argentine soccer sensation, who moved from Paris Saint-Germain to Inter Miami in the summer, has played a crucial role in reshaping the soccer scene in the United States this year.
Lionel Messi shared with TIME that after leaving PSG, he hoped to return to Barcelona. He also received a tempting offer from a Saudi Arabian club. Eventually, he chose to come to Miami, explaining, “I really wanted to go back to Barcelona initially, but it didn’t work out, even though I tried.” Messi considered various options with his family before deciding to join Inter Miami.
Messi mentioned to Time, “Luckily, I had various interesting options on the table. I had to analyze them, think things through, and discuss with my family before making the final decision to come to Miami.”
Messi made an immediate impact at Miami, scoring 10 goals in seven Leagues Cup appearances and leading his team to victory in the tournament that features both MLS and Mexican sides.
His arrival in the U.S. created a buzz not only on the field but also off it. There was a significant increase in searches for match dates and tickets to witness his performance, and fans eagerly purchased his official pink Inter Miami shirt.
“With the U.S. gearing up to host three significant soccer tournaments over the next three years (Copa America in 2024, FIFA Club World Cup in 2025, and the World Cup in 2026), there’s a growing anticipation of attracting more fans. Messi is playing a key role in this,” notes TIME’s Sean Gregory in the cover story.
“Being the world’s most admired athlete, Messi’s presence in Miami for at least the next two years and his consistent top-notch performances—he recently clinched his eighth Ballon d’Or as the world’s best player in October—has turned the U.S. into a nation that loves soccer, or fútbol.”
Messi’s stint with Miami is relatively short, spanning only 14 games, but he has already made a significant impact. With 11 goals and five assists, he played a key role in guiding the team to its first-ever trophy during the successful 2023 Leagues Cup campaign.
Messi shared his thoughts about life in the United States, particularly in Miami, saying, “We don’t have any complaints for now. Dealing with traffic can be a challenge, but it was also tricky in Paris. The summer heat and humidity can be a bit much, especially for sports, training, or games. While it’s enjoyable for the beach or vacations, it can be tough during sports activities in the summer.”