Lionel Messi has been named Time Magazine's Athlete of the Year for 2023 after his move to the United States to join Major League Soccer side Inter Miami.
Messi joins the likes of Simone Biles, Michael Phelps, LeBron James and the Untied States women's national team to win the award. New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge won the award in 2022.
Messi made his debut for the Florida-based franchise in July, and announced his arrival by scoring a free kick in the final minutes to give his side a 2-1 victory. Since then he's had a profound impact on the MLS.
With their star signing on board, Inter Miami won the Leagues Cup, their first major trophy, beating Nashville in the final in which Messi scored. The Argentina international scored 11 goals in 14 games in all competitions to finish the season. He was also nominated for the MLS MVP award.
In October, he claimed a record extending eighth Ballon d'or crown after he guided Argentina to World Cup victory in Qatar in 2022.
The 36-year-old explored the potential of a return to Barcelona and turned down a move to the Saudi Pro League before he signed with Inter Miami in a deal reported to be worth $20 million a year, and what's reported to be an ownership stake in the club when he retires.
Lionel Messi claimed a record extending eighth Ballon d'or in October. Photo by Doug Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Former L.A Galaxy star and Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham said he feared the franchise wouldn't land their marquee player.
"The one that really worried me was Barcelona," Beckham told Time.
"He never got to say goodbye to the fans, or say goodbye to the club. I explained to him, as a family, the six years we had in L.A. were the best six years that we had.
"People welcomed us with open arms, not just in L.A., but the whole of America."
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. If D Nunez, N Jackson, R Hojlund were on the same team Which Artety do you like? Liverpool transfer market Somehow this is true Lionel Messi's magical feet during the 2022 World Cup. Somehow this is true What a journey it has been! Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball, AZRorganizat...
Al-Hilal determined to sign Hernandez as soon as possiblePer Fabrizio Romano, Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal are pushing to complete a transfer for Theo Hernandez from AC Milan. They have agreed on a deal with the Serie A side and have initiated talks with the Frenchman.Why new contract for Pulisic remains unsignedUSMNT star Christian Pulisic is yet to sign a new contract at AC Milan, which was ...
Bayern Munich are eyeing a move for Gabriel Martinelli, who is reportedly one of several players Arsenal will consider selling this summer.WHAT HAPPENED?Per BILD's Christian Falk, Bayern are eager to add a new player to their Harry Kane-led attack and reportedly have their eyes on Gunners star Martinelli. The German giants were also keen on signing Nico Williams from Athletic Club earlier in the s...
Manchester United are one of the clubs keen on signing the Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin.According to journalist Luis Alberto Lopez, Manchester United are willing to pay €15 million in order to sign the 26-year-old goalkeeper. However, the Spanish club is ready to sell him, but they will hold out for a fee of around €20-25 million.Man United make enquiriesThe Premier League side ...
Paul Pogba agrees transfer to Champions League club as ex-Man Utd star makes 'significant financial sacrifices' to seal return to footballWHAT HAPPENED?Pogba is set to join Ligue 1 side Monaco on a free transfer after agreeing a two-year deal with the French side, as reported by Le Parisien. The former Manchester United midfielder has "made significant financial sacrifices" to seal the deal as he ...
Alfie makes clear Haaland commitment to Man CityAlfie Haaland says son Erling remains happy and committed to Manchester City.The Norway striker is back and fully fit for the Club World Cup after a difficult 12 months due to injury.Speaking with Marca, Haaland Snr said: "Real Madrid and Manchester City? I think they are the favourites to win this tournament , the Club World Cup. We are seeing some ...
Juventus fullback Cambiaso: Man City talks were niceJuventus fullback Andrea Cambiaso has confirmed talks with Manchester City in January. The Italy international attracted an approach from City - which was rejected by Juve - during the winter market last season.In the US for the Club World Cup, Cambiaso admits he spoke with City officials about a move.He said, 0"Let's say that they have almost un...
Chelsea, Man Utd threaten Juventus plans for Kolo MuaniChelsea are interested in Juventus striker Randal Kolo Muani.Kolo Muani is currently with Juve at the Club World Cup, where he is on-loan from PSG. After joining the Bianconeri in January, it was agreed that Kolo Muani could extend his loan to the end of the Club World Cup.Juve do not have a set option to sign the France international permanen...
Tottenham's Mathys Tel scored the decisive goal for the French Under-21 sideThanks to two goals in the final ten minutes, France turned a 2-1 deficit into a 3-2 win as they booked their ticket for the semi-final of the U21 Euros at the expense of Denmark in an entertaining thriller Sunday evening in SlovakiaG9rald Baticle’s men came into this match looking to build on their unbeaten start (W...
Kompany hails ‘special’ Messi for lighting up Club World CupBayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany has been amased by Lionel Messi’s performances at the Club World Cup and believes fans should treasure the Inter Miami star.The Argentina international sealed a comeback win with a brilliant free-kick, giving Inter Miami a strong chance of reaching the knockout stages."Inter Miami they ...
- 1 Gareth Bale set to buy former PL club
- 2 Samson Tijani: Nigeria star joins Dukla Prague from RB Salzburg
- 3 Diletta Leotta sizzles in tiny bikini on inflatable flamingo
- 4 Seattle Sounders vs PSG Prediction 24 June 2025
- 5 Ex-Ajax star Promes extradited to Netherlands to serve jail term
- 6 Real Madrid reveal target as Zubimendi joins Arsenal
- 7 Neymar flaunts 'candy floss' pink outfit that costs more than a family car
- 8 'He felt honored' - Marcelo Gallardo confirms he approached Cristiano Ronaldo about playing for River Plate at the Club World Cup
- 9 Stunning influencer reveals she’s had death threats
- 10 Premier League fixtures: Man City learn dates for 2025-26 campaign