Argentine football star Lionel Messi has been named TIME’s Athlete of the Year for 2023, surpassing notable athletes Erling Haaland and Novak Djokovic.
Messi secured his status as a football legend by winning his record-breaking eighth Ballon d’Or.
His move to Inter Miami proved pivotal, leading the club to victory in the Leagues Cup and securing their inaugural silverware.
Messi’s exceptional contributions on and off the field, along with his impact on Inter Miami’s success, earned him the prestigious Athlete of the Year title.
Despite referring to MLS as a “minor league” in an interview, Messi expressed his commitment to competing at the highest level and contributing to Argentina’s national team.
