- Messi has had an incredible impact on American football in a short time
- As a result, the Argentina captain has been named TIME's Athlete of the Year
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
Lionel Messi has been named TIME's Athlete of the Year for 2023 after his breathtaking debut season with Inter Miami.
After signing for the MLS team in July, Messi helped Miami secure its first-ever Leagues Cup trophy, scoring ten goals in seven games en route to the trophy.
The Argentina captain also played a key role as Miami reached the US Open Cup final, but Tata Martino's men suffered defeat at the hands of Houston Dynamo when he missed out through injury.
In his first campaign in the United States, he scored a total of 11 goals in 14 games for Miami, who nearly completed a late sprint to the MLS play-offs.
Messi mania has truly swept America, with his Miami shirt reportedly one of the most sought-after jerseys in the world.
And following his remarkable impact on American soccer, TIME has named Messi its 2023 Athlete of the Year.
Lionel Messi has been named TIME's Athlete of the Year for 2023 after his breathtaking debut season with Inter Miami