Lionel Messi was announced as Time’s Athlete of the Year for 2023 on Tuesday, securing a spot on the magazine’s cover. This recognition adds to the accolades Messi has been receiving, particularly for the impact he has made on American soccer since joining Inter Miami.
In an interview with TIME, the 36-year-old discussed his decision to leave FC Barcelona and turn down an offer from Saudi Arabia. Messi revealed that despite attempting to return to Barcelona, it was not feasible. He also considered the option of joining the Saudi league due to the country’s efforts in creating a robust competition, coupled with his role as a tourism ambassador. Ultimately, the choice boiled down to Saudi Arabia or Major League Soccer (MLS), both of which intrigued Messi.
David Beckham, co-owner of Inter Miami, shared his admiration for Messi’s debut performance, specifically highlighting Messi’s remarkable free-kick against Cruz Azul. Beckham recalled the moment, saying, “I remember getting in the car on the way back, and I said to Victoria, ‘I’m not even sure I can drive home.’ You couldn’t have written it better.”
Messi’s football journey began in his childhood when he joined the youth squad of Newell’s Old Boys in 1995. His exceptional skills garnered attention from major teams on both sides of the Atlantic. At the age of 13, Messi and his family moved to Barcelona, where he started playing for FC Barcelona’s under-14 squad. His rapid progress led to his debut for FC Barcelona at the age of 16.
Despite his success in Spain, Messi maintained strong ties to Argentina. He played a pivotal role in various Argentine national teams, winning the FIFA World Youth Championship in 2005 and securing gold in the 2008 Olympic Games. Messi continued to represent Argentina in the World Cup, including the 2010 edition where they reached the quarterfinals before being eliminated by Germany.
