In a testament to his enduring prowess on the football field, Lionel Messi has clinched the prestigious title of Time Magazine’s Athlete of the Year for 2023.
The accolade comes in the wake of Messi’s highly anticipated move to Major League Soccer, where he donned the colors of Inter Miami, based in Florida.
He’s impactful debut with the MLS side occurred in July, marked by a stunning free-kick goal that secured a 2-1 triumph for his team. His arrival proved transformative for Inter Miami, culminating in the team’s triumph at the Leagues Cup, their inaugural major trophy, with Messi netting crucial goals, including in the final against Nashville.
Throughout the season, the Argentine maestro exhibited his goal-scoring prowess, tallying an impressive 11 goals in 14 games across various competitions. This stellar performance earned Messi a nomination for the coveted MLS MVP award.
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Notably, he’s decision to join Inter Miami involved forgoing potential returns to Barcelona and rejecting an offer from the Saudi Pro League.
The deal with Inter Miami, reportedly valued at $20 million annually, also includes an ownership stake in the club upon his retirement.
Adding to his accolades, Messi secured an unprecedented eighth Ballon d’Or crown in October.
This achievement was a testament to his instrumental role in guiding Argentina to World Cup victory in Qatar in 2022.