Lionel Messi was crowned Time’s Athlete of the Year for 2023 on Tuesday, less than a year after his move to the United States.
Messi, who’s fresh off winning his record-extending eighth Ballon d’Or award as the best male soccer player, received the coveted title ahead of prestigious athletes such as Erling Haaland, Novak Djokovic, and last year’s winner, LeBron James.
The 36-year-old is currently enjoying a well-deserved break after taking the United States by storm following his electrifying arrival at Major League Soccer club Inter Miami in July.