In 2023, after securing his eighth Ballon d’Or, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami achieved a unique distinction by becoming the first MLS team to include a reigning Ballon d’Or winner in their squad. However, Messi’s accolades didn’t conclude there. TIME magazine recognized him as the Athlete of the Year, a prestigious title awarded alongside Taylor Swift as Person of the Year, and Sam Altman as CEO of the Year. These selections reflect the judgment of TIME’s editors, identifying individuals who significantly influenced the news and global narratives over the previous 12 months, for a range of reasons – as reported by Time.
What Defines “Athlete of the Year”?
Since its inception in 1923, TIME Magazine has stood as a bastion of authoritative reporting in realms spanning from politics and business to health, science, and entertainment, much like the celebrated U.S. sports magazines that chronicle the highs and lows of the athletic world.
Mirroring the spirit of a major league highlight reel, TIME’s “Person of the Year” (formerly titled “Man of the Year” or “Woman of the Year” until 1999) is akin to an annual championship title in the realm of global impact.
Messi #10 Inter Miami CF 22/23 Home Jersey
Featured in this prestigious segment are individuals, groups, ideas, or even objects that have, “for better or for worse,” left an indelible mark on the year’s events. The editors, serving as the ultimate referees in this selection process, make the final call, despite the existence of a reader’s poll on TIME’s website or its partner platforms, which, akin to a fan vote in sports, holds no sway in the final decision, as detailed on Wikipedia.
Kicking off in 1927, TIME Magazine’s “Man of the Year” tradition was like the opening play in a championship game, spotlighting the year’s MVPs in global news. The inception was sparked by a bit of an editorial fumble – missing out on featuring aviator Charles Lindbergh post his groundbreaking transatlantic flight. In a strategic move akin to a game-winning touchdown, TIME decided to cover this oversight by honoring Lindbergh as the Man of the Year in a special feature.
Over the decades, akin to a hall of fame roster, this accolade has celebrated a diverse lineup of world-changers, akin to the most valuable players across seasons. The list reads like a who’s who of history makers, including the likes of Winston Churchill, a political heavyweight; Martin Luther King Jr., a civil rights champion; and Elon Musk, a modern-day entrepreneurial maverick.
The “Athlete of the Year” award was first presented in 2019, marking a new chapter in TIME’s history of accolades. This award focuses on celebrating the most remarkable athletes, acknowledging their contributions and impact within the sporting arena. Recognition of Lionel Messi Inter Miami’s player as the “Athlete of the Year” in 2023 is particularly notable for several reasons.
Check out this engaging video where Sean Gregory, TIME’s Senior Sports Correspondent, delves into the reasons behind Messi’s well-deserved earning of the title:
He is the first non-American recipient of this award and the first individual football player to be honored. Previously, in 2019, the United States Women’s National Soccer Team received the award collectively for their exceptional performance in winning their fourth title in the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
A Glance at TIME’s Illustrious Athlete of the Year Honorees
Over the years, TIME Magazine has recognized the outstanding achievements and contributions of various sports icons through its prestigious Athlete of the Year award. This accolade has been bestowed upon individuals and teams who have not only excelled in their respective sports but also made significant impacts both on and off the field. Here’s a look at the recent luminaries who have graced this honor:
2019 – The United States Women’s National Soccer Team
Celebrated for their triumphant victory in the Women’s World Cup, earning them the prestigious title due to their exceptional skills and impactful advocacy for gender equality in sports.
2020 – LeBron James, basketball player
James left a profound mark both on the basketball court and in the wider community this season. He steered the Lakers to their 17th championship triumph and initiated a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating voter suppression across the nation.
2021 – Simone Biles, gymnast
The world’s most decorated gymnast was hailed for putting her mental health first when she withdrew from four event finals at the Tokyo Olympics.
2022 – Aaron Judge, baseball player
A baseball superstar, lauded for his record-breaking performances and sportsmanship.
This award is a testament to an athlete’s influence and achievements in sports, highlighting their role in shaping sports history and inspiring fans and athletes worldwide.
Messi’s Inter Miami Debut: A Night to Remember
The scene on July 21, 2023, in Fort Lauderdale was nothing short of a football fairytale. Donning the pink Messi Inter Miami jersey for the first time, Leo stepped up for a decisive free kick in the dying moments of his Major League Soccer (MLS) debut. The world watched in awe as the greatest living soccer player, fresh off leading Argentina to a monumental World Cup victory, took to the field for a club that, until then, was languishing at the bottom of the U.S. league.
As Messi prepared for the kick, Inter Miami’s defender DeAndre Yedlin, a fellow World Cup participant for the U.S., was sidelined with a cramp. In a tense moment, he advised his coach, Tata Martino, against choosing him for a potential penalty shootout. Martino, who had witnessed Messi’s brilliance firsthand with Argentina and FC Barcelona, assured Yedlin that Messi would clinch the game with this shot. Despite Yedlin’s skepticism, the stage was set.
Messi placed the ball, ready for the kick. Among the spectators were celebrities like Kim Kardashian and LeBron James, but all eyes were fixed on Messi. The ball soared from Messi’s left foot, artfully curving around Cruz Azul’s defenders. Yedlin, watching from behind, instinctively raised his arms in anticipation of victory.
As Messi’s shot arced past the goalie, it ignited an eruption of joy from the 20,000 fans at DRV PNK Stadium and millions worldwide. Even co-owner of Messi’s Inter Miamim, David Beckham was overwhelmed with emotion.
“It was for MLS, and for America. It was for the future of the game”
Beckham recounted to TIME, moved by the sheer magic of Messi’s Inter Miami debut.
Messi’s Inter Miami Saga: From World Cup Glory to Local Icon
The transformation from World Cup champion to Inter Miami’s new superstar was as dramatic as it was unexpected. Just seven months before the fans in pink jerseys erupted in cheers for their new hero, Messi was basking in the glory of the World Cup, a triumph that had previously eluded him. After wrapping up his 2022–2023 season with Paris St.-Germain (PSG), boasting an impressive tally of 21 goals and 20 assists, the football world was abuzz with speculation about his next move.
Looking to relive Argentina’s thrilling 2022 World Cup journey? Dive into the article that compiles all the unforgettable commentaries and narratives, from ‘Que Miras Bobo’ to ‘Todos somos Montiel’. Experience the excitement and passion that led up to Messi’s Inter Miami adventure.
As Messi’s tenure at PSG neared its end, questions swirled. Would he make a nostalgic return to Barcelona, where his journey to stardom began as a 13-year-old prodigy from Rosario, Argentina? Or would he deepen his ties with Saudi Arabia, where he was already serving as a tourism ambassador, a role reportedly worth some $25 million, especially considering the country’s upcoming hosting of the 2034 World Cup? Yet, in an unexpected twist, Messi’s path led him to Inter Miami, turning a new page in his illustrious career and igniting unprecedented excitement among the local fanbase.
Messi’s Inter Miami signing decision was down to the wire. Speaking with TIME, he shared, “I was lucky to have several interesting options, and it took some time and family discussions to choose Miami.” He revealed that returning to Barcelona was his initial preference, but it wasn’t feasible.
“I wanted to go back to Barcelona, but it just didn’t work out”
Messi explained.
Saudi Arabia was also a strong contender. “The Saudi league was a serious consideration, especially as I’m familiar with the country and they’re developing a strong competition there,” he noted. “As their tourism ambassador, the country appeals to me. I’ve enjoyed my visits and am impressed with how they’re elevating football and aiming to establish a premier league.”
Ultimately, Messi told, “I was deciding between Saudi Arabia and MLS, both of which were very appealing.” The world was taken by surprise when Messi declined a lucrative offer from a Saudi club, rumored to be worth hundreds of millions annually, and instead announced his decision of Messi’s Inter Miami signing in June.
The move was remarkable not just in its nature, but also in its magnitude and terms. Messi’s Inter Miami package included more than $20 million in annual salary, an ownership stake in the team upon his retirement, and an extraordinary share of revenues from a league media partner, in this case, Apple. This agreement signified not just Messi’s continued prowess on the field, but also marked a new era in athlete leverage and empowerment.
Messi’s Inter Miami Instant Effect: Clinching the First-Ever Trophy
Messi’s Inter Miami arrival was marked by an electrifying performance that quickly set the U.S. sports scene abuzz. Scoring a sensational 10 goals across seven Leagues Cup matches, Messi was instrumental in propelling Inter Miami to championship glory.
Messi’s Inter Miami goal celebrations were also epic, as he was found to have Marvel superhero celebrations, following his kids’ recommendation.
Even as a persistent injury tempered his MLS rhythm by September, it barely dimmed his impact. Now at 36, with two decades of unmatched excellence behind him, Messi single-handedly sparked a soccer renaissance in America. Stadiums filled to the brim, ticket prices skyrocketed, merchandise flew off the shelves, and TV ratings hit new highs. Each game he played was akin to a spiritual awakening for soccer fans. This was epitomized in August, when Messi’s goal against the New York Red Bulls moved rapper Fat Joe to an emotional frenzy on Instagram, chanting “Messi! Messi! Messi!” with tears in his eyes.
Fat Joe, who admittedly isn’t a big soccer enthusiast, explained his presence at that Saturday-night match in Harrison, N.J., saying, “I just had to experience it.” He expressed his admiration for Messi, describing him as “a culture shifter” and unequivocally “a GOAT.
USA’s Soccer Revolution: How Messi’s Inter Miami Impact Turned the Tide
Despite its status as the world’s most lucrative sports market, the United States had long resisted fully embracing soccer. This reluctance was often attributed to various factors: the game’s lower scoring nature compared to other sports, its perceived lack of physicality compared to American football, its image as an exotic import, and a sense of lesser excitement than basketball. However, recent times have witnessed a significant upturn in soccer’s popularity across the nation. This growth is poised to surge with the U.S. set to host three major international tournaments in the coming years: Copa America 2024, the FIFA Club World Cup in 2025, and, most notably, the World Cup in 2026.
But the real catalyst in this transformation has been Messi’s Inter Miami. The impact of having the world’s most revered and influential athlete play in Miami cannot be overstated. As Messi continues to deliver top-tier performances — underscored by his eighth Ballon d’Or win as the world’s best player in late October — the U.S. has begun to redefine itself as a soccer-loving nation, a true fútbol nation. Messi’s Inter Miami presence has not just raised the profile of the sport; it has accelerated America’s journey towards becoming a soccer-centric culture.
American fans are less concerned about who Messi scored against; they are thrilled just to witness him play in person. This enthusiasm led to a remarkable 40% surge in Inter Miami’s home game attendance, the highest increase across the MLS. Analysis by the Miami Herald revealed that Inter Miami was the first MLS team to average over 30,000 fans for away games. In October, Messi’s presence drew an impressive 62,124 spectators to Soldier Field, setting a new attendance record for a Chicago Fire match. Typically, the Fire saw average crowds of 15,422 against other teams. Despite Messi not playing due to an injury, fans still flocked to the stadium, donning pink Messi jerseys in support of Messi’s Inter Miami.
Messi’s Inter Miami Impact: A New Era in Miami and Beyond
When Messi arrived in Miami, he endeavored to assimilate into the local scene, a challenging feat given his global fame – evidenced by bodyguards at games and city murals bearing his image.
“You don’t know how he’s going to be off the field,” remarks Yedlin, 30, who is one of the best Inter Miami players. He acknowledged that Messi had the influence to even change the club’s colors if he wished. Yet, Inter Miami retained its pink hues, and Messi jersey swiftly became a global sports merchandise phenomenon. “He just wants to be part of the group,” Yedlin observed. Messi integrated seamlessly into the team, joining group chats, offering ticket assistance for players’ families, and being a humble and approachable figure, especially to younger players. His humility and engagement, even in small acts like saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’, served as a grounding influence.
David Beckham shared an insightful anecdote about Messi’s influence: a young academy player once mentioned that Messi advised him to ‘Walk more’ during games to better observe and understand the play, encapsulating what makes Messi exceptional.
Apple’s Surge: Messi Inter Miami Debut Sparks Record Subscriptions
Messi’s presence also had a monumental effect on Apple’s MLS Season Pass subscriptions. On the day of Messi’s Inter Miami debut, subscriptions spiked by 110,000 in the U.S., marking a staggering 1,700% increase from the previous day. His arrival significantly boosted Apple’s metrics in Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, and Europe. Following Inter Miami’s victory over Cruz Azul and subsequent matches, where Messi continued to score in his inimitable style, the excitement reached new heights. The Messi Miami Embarkation: Apple Series ‘Messi Meets America’:
Dan Hunt, president of FC Dallas, noted that a match featuring Messi generated their highest-revenue night ever. Messi’s remarkable free-kick in a thrilling 4-4 tie further solidified Messi’s Inter Miami’s impact on the league and the sport’s growing popularity in the U.S.
Messi’s Magic: Transforming U.S. Soccer Culture
Due to the widespread ‘Messi countryside effect’, the entire United States has been swept up in a frenzy of Messi’s Inter Miami mania.
This overwhelming enthusiasm played a significant role in Messi being honored as the first non-American TIME ‘Athlete of the Year’. His influence on the nation’s football attitude is undeniable and far-reaching, evidenced by a surge in all aspects of the sport. From a dramatic increase in Apple TV MLS Season Pass subscriptions and jersey sales to record-breaking game attendances and the appearance of murals in cities, Messi’s impact is monumental. He is not just a phenomenal player; Messi is actively transforming the landscape of football in the U.S., elevating it to the status of a beloved American sport.
Discover Messi’s Inter Miami Signature Cleats
Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of Lionel Messi’s latest venture in the realm of football fashion. In this feature, we explore the unique design and style of Messi Inter Miami signature cleats, a blend of top-notch craftsmanship and the star’s iconic legacy.
Messi’s Cleats Commemorating His 8th Ballon d’Or Achievement:
Messi’s Signature Cleats Celebrating His Arrival at Inter Miami
Explore beyond Messi’s signature cleats and get your own Messi Inter Miami jersey today!
Messi #10 Inter Miami CF 22/23 Home Jersey