Time Magazine named Lionel Messi its Athlete of the Year for 2023, following his blockbuster move to play for Major League Soccer's Inter Miami in the United States.  The 36-year-old's decision to sign with the club was lauded for its potential to raise the profile of the league,

Time Magazine has crowned Lionel Messi as the "Athlete of the Year" for 2023, acknowledging his exceptional season characterized by his eighth Ballon d'Or win and his groundbreaking transition to Major League Soccer's Inter Miami.

Lionel Messi is playing his first full season in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami in 2024. In full, that means Messi will play in MLS, the US Open Cup, the Leagues Cup, and the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

The TIME article explores Lionel Messi's decision to choose MLS over options in Barcelona and Saudi Arabia after leaving PSG.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has been named Time magazine's Athlete of the Year for 2023 after winning the Ballon d'Or for a record-extending eighth time and elevating the profile of the sport in the U.