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Lionel Messi Voted Time’s Athlete Of The Year
Lionel Messi, the Argentine football legend, has clinched Time magazine’s coveted Athlete of the Year title for 2023.
This recognition crowns his remarkable eighth Ballon d’Or win and celebrates his impact on American soccer following his move to Inter Miami.
A pivotal force in Argentina’s historic World Cup victory after 36 long years, Messi’s sporting prowess stood unmatched as they triumphed over defending champions France in the nail-biting final last December.
Despite an array of tempting offers post his departure from Paris St Germain, the 36-year-old maestro chose Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami over his former club Barcelona and a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal.
“I had several appealing options on the table. I had to meticulously weigh them, considering my family, before deciding to come to Miami,” Messi disclosed to Time, shedding light on the decisive move.
His arrival at Miami sparked an immediate frenzy, marked by ten goals in seven Leagues Cup appearances, propelling the team to tournament victory. Beyond the field, his influence translated into an unprecedented surge in fan interest, fueling searches for match schedules and a rush for tickets to witness his on-field wizardry. The official pink Inter Miami jersey bearing his name flew off the shelves, amplifying his impact further.
The ripple effect was profound: Inter Miami ticket prices skyrocketed, and Apple TV, in a decade-long partnership with MLS, witnessed a substantial surge in subscriptions, as noted by research firm Antenna.
Recent recipients of the award include sporting luminaries like Simone Biles, LeBron James, and the United States women’s soccer team, with Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees earning the honor in 2022.
Messi’s accolade not only celebrates his exceptional talent but also marks a watershed moment in American sports history, underlining his unparalleled influence on and off the field.
