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Lionel Messi Selected as 'Athlete of the Year' by Time Magazine

Feb 5, 2026 February 5, 2026 2 min read 📰 VOA Persian
📋 Key Takeaway

Lionel Messi has been named the 2023 'Athlete of the Year' by Time Magazine, largely due to his impactful move to Inter Miami and his leadership in Argentina's World Cup victory. This recognition highlights Messi's significant influence on soccer in the U.S. and his continued success in the sport.

🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line: Messi's recognition as 'Athlete of the Year' highlights his significant role in elevating soccer's status in the U.S. and his ongoing legacy in sports.

👥 Key Players

Lionel Messi MENTIONED
Professional Football Player
"Messi is one of the most celebrated athletes globally and his influence extends beyond sports, impacting cultural and economic aspects in regions where he plays."
Inter Miami MENTIONED
Major League Soccer Team
"The team's acquisition of Messi has significantly raised the profile of soccer in the U.S., attracting attention and investment."
David Beckham MENTIONED
Co-owner of Inter Miami
"As a former football star and a key figure in promoting soccer in the U.S., Beckham's involvement with Messi enhances the team's visibility and marketability."

📰 What Happened

Lionel Messi was named Time Magazine's 2023 'Athlete of the Year' due to his impactful move to Inter Miami and his leadership in Argentina's World Cup victory. This recognition underscores his influence on soccer in the U.S.

  • Messi's move to Inter Miami has increased the club's social media following significantly.
  • He won the 'Ballon d'Or' for the eighth time, solidifying his status as one of the greatest football players.

💡 Why It Matters

🇮🇷 For Iran: While this event is not directly related to Iran, it reflects global sports dynamics that can influence cultural perceptions and aspirations among Iranian youth.
🌍 Regional: The recognition of a global sports figure like Messi can inspire regional athletes and elevate the profile of soccer in neighboring countries.
🌐 International: Messi's impact on Major League Soccer could lead to increased investment in sports in the U.S., affecting global sports markets.

📚 Background

Lionel Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time, and his move to the U.S. has been pivotal in popularizing soccer in a country traditionally dominated by other sports.

Impact of sports figures on cultural trends Growth of Major League Soccer in the U.S.
📡 Source: INTERNATIONAL
📊 Confidence: 70%
Reuters is a reputable international news agency known for its factual reporting and journalistic integrity.

Lionel Messi, the Argentine football star, has been named the 2023 'Athlete of the Year' by Time Magazine, achieving another honor. According to Reuters, Messi's selection, announced on Wednesday, December 6, was largely due to his decision to join the football team 'Inter Miami' in Florida; a decision that contributed to the global recognition of Major League Soccer in the United States. Messi's selection as Time's Athlete of the Year also comes less than a year after Argentina's victory in the 2022 World Cup, where Messi played a significant role as captain. The 36-year-old superstar unexpectedly joined Inter Miami after his contract with French team Paris Saint-Germain ended, moving to Major League Soccer. The news of Messi's joining Inter Miami was met with great enthusiasm in South Florida and other parts of the U.S., increasing the club's Instagram followers to nearly six million, surpassing even American professional football and baseball teams. During Inter Miami's games, celebrities such as LeBron James, Serena Williams, DJ Khaled, and Kim Kardashian attended the stadium to cheer for Messi. David Beckham, former England national football player and one of the owners of Inter Miami, expressed satisfaction with Messi's acquisition, describing it as an important investment for the future of the team and Major League Soccer. In the recently concluded season, Messi was one of the best players for Inter Miami and played a crucial role in winning the title of the 'Leagues Cup.' Although he missed half of the season due to injury, Inter Miami could not reach the playoff stage of the league competitions. Recently, Messi won the 'Ballon d'Or' for the eighth time, which is considered one of the most prestigious honors in world football. Source: Reuters. The rise of misinformation and fake images; the release of fake photos of Messi with Israeli and Palestinian flags. Unattainable like Lionel Messi; the 2023 Ballon d'Or also went to 'Leo.' Messi's first trophy in America; the most decorated player in history. Messi's fireworks in America continue. Barcelona's failure to attract Lionel Messi; the Argentine star shines in America.

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Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →

Translation confidence: 85%

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