Messi mania came to the United States in 2023, and Time Magazine recognized its impact.
On Tuesday, Time Magazine honored Lionel Messi as the 2023 Athlete of the Year. Following his pivotal role in guiding Argentina to a World Cup victory in 2022 and solidifying his standing as one of the sport’s all-time greats, Messi made a noteworthy move to MLS’ Inter Miami CF this year, captivating a new audience with his mesmerizing playing style.
Seven months prior, as Messi triumphantly kissed the World Cup trophy, an ecstatic sea of pink-clad fans reveled in their newfound local hero, a scene that seemed unimaginable earlier. Wrapping up his 2022–2023 club season with Paris St.-Germain (PSG), Messi notched 21 goals and 20 assists across all competitions. As speculation swirled about his future during the contract’s conclusion, the options included a potential return to Barcelona, the club where he initially signed at the age of 13, or a venture into Saudi Arabia, a nation accused of “sports-washing” its human-rights record by attracting global stars.
In a last-minute decision-making process, Messi reveals, “My first option was to return to Barcelona, but it was not possible. I tried to return, and it did not happen.” The allure of Saudi Arabia, as the country’s tourism ambassador, intrigued him, acknowledging the nation’s efforts in fostering a burgeoning football culture and creating a competitive league. Ultimately, the decision boiled down to Saudi Arabia or MLS. Messi surprised the world by rejecting a lucrative contract from a Saudi club, opting instead to sign with Inter Miami in June.
Beyond the shock of the move, the magnitude of the deal itself was unprecedented. In addition to Inter Miami’s annual payment of over $20 million, Messi secured an ownership stake in the team upon retirement and a groundbreaking share of revenues from the league’s media partner, Apple. This deal not only showcased Messi’s enduring prowess on the field but also set a new benchmark for athlete influence and empowerment.
Upon his arrival in the U.S., Messi showcased his brilliance by scoring 10 goals in seven Leagues Cup games, leading Inter Miami to victory. Despite a minor injury slowing his MLS momentum in September, the impact was undeniable. At 36, two decades into his remarkable career, Messi became a catalyst for soccer in America, with attendance, ticket prices, merchandise sales, and viewership all experiencing a significant surge. His matches took on a quasi-religious fervor, exemplified by rapper Fat Joe’s emotional Instagram video shouting “Messi! Messi! Messi!” after a goal against the New York Red Bulls in August.
