NEW YORK: TIME magazine has declared Argentinian football icon, Lionel Messi, as Athlete of the Year 2023, surpassing renowned athletes Erling Haaland and Novak Djokovic, Western media reported on Tuesday.
Earlier, the football legend won Ballon d’Or for the eight time which had made him a strong candidate in securing the coveted title of TIME’s Athlete of the Year.
Messi, looking ahead, aims to continue with his star performance and guide the American football club Inter Miami to Major League Soccer glory in the coming season. Messi, joined Inter Miami club in July this year.
Lionel Messi is TIME's 2023 Athlete of the Year https://t.co/qPR75Hgt6f pic.twitter.com/EXqxl08lZN
— TIME (@TIME) December 5, 2023
TIME magazine recognizing Messi’s exceptional year, made him the Athlete of the Year.
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Former Barcelona superstar Messi scored seven goals at the World Cup and was named the tournament’s best player after Argentina defeated France on penalties in the final in Doha.
Messi, won his first Ballon d’Or in 2009. He also had an underwhelming final season at Paris Saint-Germain.
