Lionel Messi has been named Time magazine's "Athlete of the Year" for 2023 after a trailblazing season marked by an eighth Ballon d'Or award and his ground-breaking move to Major League Soccer's Inter Miami.

Time Magazine named Lionel Messi its Athlete of the Year following his arrival to the U.S. with MLS club Inter Miami.

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 mania came to the United States in 2023, and Time Magazine recognized its impact. Time named Lionel Messi its 2023 Athlete of the Year on Tuesday.

After signing for the MLS team in July, Messi went on to help Miami secure its first ever trophy in the Leagues Cup, while also playing a key part in their run to the US Open Cup final.