Time magazine has named Argentina captain Lionel Messi as the Athlete of the Year for 2023. This recognition follows Messi’s historic eighth Ballon d’Or win and his influential impact on the sport’s prominence in the U.S. through his transfer to Inter Miami.
Messi played a pivotal role in leading Argentina to their first World Cup title in 36 years, triumphing over defending champions France in the final last December.
The 36-year-old chose to join Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami, rejecting potential returns to Barcelona or a lucrative move to Saudi side Al-Hilal regardless of the numerous offers upon leaving Paris St Germain.
Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami left an immediate mark, with 10 goals in seven Leagues Cup appearances, contributing to their tournament victory featuring MLS and Mexican teams. Beyond his on-field prowess, Messi’s presence caused a surge in interest, leading to heightened searches for match dates and ticket purchases to witness him in action. The sales of his official pink Inter Miami shirt soared, and the demand for Inter Miami game tickets led to a significant price increase.
The impact extended to Apple TV, which has a 10-year partnership with MLS, witnessing a notable rise in subscriptions, as reported by research firm Antenna. Time magazine acknowledged Messi’s achievement in transforming the U.S. into a soccer-centric nation, marking a departure from the traditional dominance of other sports.
Previous winners of the Athlete of the Year include Simone Biles, LeBron James, the United States women’s soccer team, and Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees in 2022.
Source: Reuters
