Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi named Time Athlete of the Year

Lionel Messi has been named Time magazine's 2023 Athlete of the Year after moving to the United States to join Major League Soccer side Inter Miami.

Messi joins Simone Biles, Michael Phelps, LeBron James and the United States women's national team in winning the award. New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge won the award in 2022.

– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (US)

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 has had a profound impact on MLS.

With the signing of their star, 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 end the season. He was also nominated for the MLS MVP award.

In October, he won an eighth Ballon d'Or title after guiding 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 signing with Inter Miami in a deal worth $20 million per year , and what would be participation. at the club when he retires.

Former LA Galaxy star and Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham has said he fears the franchise will not land its marquee player.

“The one I was really worried about 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, that the six years we had in Los Angeles were the best six years we had.

“People welcomed us with open arms, not just in Los Angeles, but all across America.”