Subscribe to Miguel Delaney’s newsletter, Reading the Game, and receive it for free in your inbox.
Join Miguel Delaney’s mailing list for his weekly newsletter at no cost.
In 2023, Lionel Messi was chosen as the Athlete of the Year by TIME magazine for his impressive first season at Inter Miami.
The Argentine only signed for the MLS club in July but scored 11 goals in only 14 games as David Beckham’s side shot up the table.
In the end, they did not make it to the MLS playoffs, but the 36-year-old player was instrumental in leading the team to their first-ever championship as they claimed the Leagues Cup in August. Messi also scored a goal in the final match.
Inter Miami made it to the final of the US Open Cup, but their Argentine player was unable to participate due to an injury. As a result, the team narrowly lost to the Houston Dynamo.
In late October, Messi was honored for his excellent performance by receiving his eighth Ballon d’Or award. This recognition is not only due to his outstanding performance in the MLS, but also for his contributions to the success of the Argentine national team. Messi played a crucial role in helping Argentina win their first World Cup since 1968 at the end of last year.
Messi played a crucial role in leading the club to their inaugural championship.
After fulfilling his contract with Paris-Saint Germain, Messi chose to relocate to the United States instead. This meant he was unable to rejoin his childhood team, Barcelona, and also turned down a lucrative offer to play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League.
Messi explained to TIME that his initial choice was to go back to Barcelona, but unfortunately it was not feasible. He attempted to make the return happen, but it ultimately did not work out. Saudi Arabia was also a strong contender in the decision.
I also considered the possibility of joining the Saudi league, as I am familiar with the country and the rapidly developing competition that has the potential to become a major league in the near future.
His transfer to the MLS to play for David Beckham’s team has had a significant influence on the league’s fan base, similar to Beckham’s own arrival from Real Madrid in 2007. Both viewership and attendance have significantly increased, and within the first 24 hours, Messi’s pink jersey outsold all other sports jerseys in history, earning $600 million. This surpassed the sales from Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Manchester United and Tom Brady’s move to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Messi is now in the company of Simone Biles and LeBron James as a recipient of the award from the US magazine.
Source: independent.co.uk
