Lionel Messi has been named Time magazine's Athlete of the Year for 2023 to cap off a memorable year for the Argentina captain.
After guiding Argentina to World Cup success in Qatar almost 12 months ago, Messi won a record-extending eighth Ballon d'Or and has helped elevate football in the US since moving to Inter Miami over the summer.
Messi, 36, had no shortage of suitors when he announced he would be leaving Paris Saint-Germain earlier this year, with former club Barcelona as well as Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund-backed Al Hilal declaring their interest.
Instead, he chose a move to Major League Soccer to join the Inter Miami revolution co-owned by former Manchester United and England midfielder David Beckham.
"The truth is that fortunately, I had several options on the table that were interesting, and I had to analyse them and think, even weigh them up with my family, before making the final decision to come to Miami," Messi told Time.
"Messi managed to do what once seemed impossible: turning the US into a soccer country," Time wrote.
Messi made an instant impact at Miami, scoring 10 goals in seven Leagues Cup appearances as he spurred them to victory in the tournament for the club's first-ever title, which features MLS teams as well as sides from Mexico.
The Argentine's arrival in the US also made waves off the pitch, causing a massive spike in searches for match dates and tickets to see him in action, with fans also buying up his official pink Inter Miami shirt.
Ahead of his Miami debut, Apple TV recorded a surge in subscriptions with 110,000 sign-ups to MLS Season Pass – the US football body's streaming service – according to subscription analytics company Antenna.
Simone Biles, LeBron James and the United States women's soccer team have won the award in recent years, with Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees winning in 2022.
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New Inter Miami signing Lionel Messi poses with a club shirt alongside owners Jorge Mas, left, Jose Mas and David Beckham, right, during the unveiling at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Sunday, July 16, 2023. Reuters -
Lionel Messi waves to the crowd during his unveiling as an Inter Miami player at the DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. AFP -
New Inter Miami signing Lionel Messi with his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their children in Florida. AP -
Lionel Messi after being introduced as an Inter Miami player in Florida. AFP -
Lionel Messi waves to fans at the DRV PNK Stadium in Florida. AFP -
Lionel Messi holds his new Inter Miami team jersey as he poses with team co-owners Jorge Mas, left, Jose Mas and David Beckham. AP -
Fans wait for the unveiling of Lionel Messi in Florida. EPA -
Lionel Messi speaks during "The Unveil" at the DRV PNK Stadium. AFP -
Lionel Messi greets the crowd. AP -
Lionel Messi hugs Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham. AFP -
Fireworks go off as Lionel Messi is presented his jersey. AFP
