Lionel Messi (1987-), Argentine footballer
Coming to the United States in 2023, the
age
The magazine recognizes its impact.
On Tuesday, Time magazine labeled Lionel Messi
as the 2023 Athlete of the Year. After the soccer superstar led Argentina to a World Cup title in 2022 and cemented his place as one of the greatest players in the sport's history, he joined the
MLS
of Miami International and attracted a new soccer empire with his dazzling style of play.
This is just the latest recognition for the 36-year-old, who also won his eighth Ballon d'Or this year. The coveted award is presented annually to the world's top player.
Lionel Messi (1987-), Argentine footballer
Where Paris Saint-Germain will go after finishing the 2022-23 season is one of the biggest sports stories around the world this year. Although he is no longer a young player, he still scored 21 goals and 20 assists in all competitions at Paris Saint-Germain and proved that he can compete with the best players in the world.
As the Times article explains, much of the decision boils down to a return to Barcelona, a place in the Saudi Arabian league for signing stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, or the international Miami of the MLS.
Lionel Messi (1987-), Argentine footballer
Said: "The truth is fortunately, I had several interesting options and I had to analyze them and think about them and even weigh them with my family before making the final decision to come to Miami.
He is not the first international superstar to join the league as others such as David Beckham, Thierry Henry, David Villa, Wayne Rooney, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Gareth Bale have done the same in the past.
But he's the one who stands out the most, having made a splash on the sport's biggest stage as a World Cup winner just a few months ago.
Miami International's game suddenly becomes appointment viewing as stars and other athletes join the crowd. Lionel Messi.
Scored 10 goals in seven games to lead his team to the League Cup title.
He scored in the regular season and then scored a penalty kick in overtime when Miami International beat Nashville in the League Cup final. He wowed crowds with his footwork, precise passing and ability to end goal chances. He energized soccer fans in Major League Soccer (MLS) and throughout the United States.
Lionel Messi (1987-), Argentine footballer
Sometimes left out during the MLS season, and the struggling Miami International did not make the playoffs prior to his arrival. However, he will be there for a full season in 2024 and won't have to worry about integrating himself into a new team with a different style of play.
Any depth below his postseason performance would be surprising, and he's sure to catch the attention of the soccer world as the game unfolds.
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