Lionel Messi, Argentina’s famed captain, named Time magazine’s Best Athlete of the Year for 2023. This coveted award comes on the heels of Messi winning his eighth Ballon d’Or and playing a key role in Argentina’s World Cup victory.
Lionel Messi is TIME's 2023 Athlete of the Year https://t.co/qPR75Hgt6f pic.twitter.com/EXqxl08lZN
— TIME (@TIME) December 5, 2023
Lionel Messi influence stretches beyond the soccer field, with his move to Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami playing a significant part in his recognition.
His presence not only produced an immediate impact on the field, as he scored 10 goals in seven League Cup matches, but it also inspired an increase in soccer interest in the United States. Moreover, Messi’s presence had an influence off the field as well, with a significant boost in ticket sales, jersey purchases, and subscriptions to outlets airing Inter Miami games.
When he left Paris St. Germain earlier this year, the 36-year-old had no shortage of offers, but he chose to sign with Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami over a big-money move to Saudi side Al-Hilal.
Why Lionel Messi is TIME's Athlete of the Year https://t.co/9Fj13nyldY pic.twitter.com/ySp5LtkXSK
— TIME (@TIME) December 5, 2023
Time magazine highlights Messi’s achievement in transforming the United States’ soccer scene, emphasizing the country’s metamorphosis into a soccer-centric nation.
Messi’s selection as Time’s Best Athlete of 2023 cements his standing as a worldwide sports legend and emphasizes the breadth of his contributions to the world of soccer.
