Lionel Messi, the captain of the Argentina national team, has been named Time magazine's Athlete of the Year for 2023. This recognition comes after Messi won the Ballon d'Or for a record-breaking eighth time and made a high-profile move to Inter Miami, which helped elevate the profile of soccer in the United States.
Argentina won their first World Cup in 36 years, thanks in large part to Messi. They had beaten the reigning champions, France, in December of the year before. Numerous teams approached Messi about joining Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia or even going back to his former team, Barcelona, after he left Paris Saint-Germain. He finally decided, nonetheless, to sign with Inter Miami of Major League Soccer.
Since joining Inter Miami, Messi has made an immediate impact on and off the pitch. He scored 10 goals in seven appearances in the Leagues Cup, helping his team secure victory in the tournament that features MLS teams and Mexican sides. His arrival in the U.S. also caused a surge in interest, with fans searching for match dates and tickets to see him play. The price of Inter Miami tickets skyrocketed, and Apple TV, which has a partnership with the MLS, saw a significant increase in subscriptions.
Time magazine's recognition of Messi as Athlete of the Year further solidifies his influence and impact on the sport. Previous winners of the award include Simone Biles, LeBron James, and the United States women's soccer team.
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