Time Magazine named Lionel Messi its Athlete of the Year for 2023, following his blockbuster move to play for Major League Soccer's Inter Miami in the United States.  The 36-year-old's decision to sign with the club was lauded for its potential to raise the profile of the league,

Lionel Messi is playing his first full season in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami in 2024. In full, that means Messi will play in MLS, the US Open Cup, the Leagues Cup, and the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

The magnitude of his decision to join MLS cannot be overstated,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber said of Inter Miami star Lionel Messi.

MLS commissioner Don Garber said that the 2023 season was a "transformational year," and he believes that Lionel Messi joining Inter Miami was a key factor

Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber says his league has enjoyed a "transformational year" crediting the arrival of Lionel Messi and the broadcast deal with Apple TV for unprecedented interest.