Messi: Time's 2023 Athlete of the Year, U.S. Soccer Transformer

Messi: Time's 2023 Athlete of the Year, U.S. Soccer Transformer

Lionel Messi is awarded with his seventh Ballon D'Or award during the Ballon D'Or Ceremony at Theatre du Chatelet on November 29, 2021 in Paris, France ( image _ Getty Images)

 Lionel Messi, the esteemed captain of Argentina, has been honored as Time magazine's Athlete of the Year for 2023. This recognition follows his historic eighth Ballon d'Or triumph and his impactful role in elevating the stature of soccer in the United States through his transfer to Inter Miami.

In a pivotal moment, Messi played a crucial part in guiding Argentina to their first World Cup title in 36 years, clinching victory over defending champions France in the final held in December of the preceding year. Despite numerous enticing offers upon leaving Paris St Germain earlier this year, the 36-year-old maestro opted to join Major League Soccer's Inter Miami. Noteworthy alternatives included a potential return to his former team Barcelona and a lucrative move to the Saudi side Al-Hilal.

Reflecting on his decision, Messi expressed gratitude for the various intriguing options available, highlighting the thorough analysis and consideration undertaken with his family before finalizing the choice to join Miami. Upon his arrival, Messi swiftly made an impact, scoring 10 goals in seven Leagues Cup appearances, propelling Inter Miami to victory in a tournament featuring MLS and Mexican teams.

Beyond the playing field, Messi's presence in the U.S. caused a ripple effect, leading to a surge in searches for match dates and tickets to witness his brilliance. Fans eagerly embraced his official pink Inter Miami shirt, contributing to a substantial increase in ticket prices for Inter Miami games. Additionally, Apple TV, in its 10-year partnership with MLS, observed a noteworthy uptick in subscriptions, as Messi's arrival captured the attention of a broader audience.

Time magazine acknowledged Messi's profound influence, stating, "Messi managed to do what once seemed impossible: turning the U.S. into a soccer country." This accolade places M  Lionel Messi, the esteemed captain of Argentina, has been honored as Time magazine's Athlete of the Year for 2023. This recognition follows his historic eighth Ballon d'Or triumph and his impactful role in elevating the stature of soccer in the United States through his transfer to Inter Miami.

In a pivotal moment, Messi played a crucial part in guiding Argentina to their first World Cup title in 36 years, clinching victory over defending champions France in the final held in December of the preceding year. Despite numerous enticing offers upon leaving Paris St Germain earlier this year, the 36-year-old maestro opted to join Major League Soccer's Inter Miami. Noteworthy alternatives included a potential return to his former team Barcelona and a lucrative move to the Saudi side Al-Hilal.

Reflecting on his decision, Messi expressed gratitude for the various intriguing options available, highlighting the thorough analysis and consideration undertaken with his family before finalizing the choice to join Miami. Upon his arrival, Messi swiftly made an impact, scoring 10 goals in seven Leagues Cup appearances, propelling Inter Miami to victory in a tournament featuring MLS and Mexican teams.

Beyond the playing field, Messi's presence in the U.S. caused a ripple effect, leading to a surge in searches for match dates and tickets to witness his brilliance. Fans eagerly embraced his official pink Inter Miami shirt, contributing to a substantial increase in ticket prices for Inter Miami games. Additionally, Apple TV, in its 10-year partnership with MLS, observed a noteworthy uptick in subscriptions, as Messi's arrival captured the attention of a broader audience.

Time magazine acknowledged Messi's profound influence, stating, "Messi managed to do what Messi in the esteemed company of past winners such as Simone Biles, LeBron James, the United States women's soccer team, and Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees in 2022.