Time Magazine recently bestowed the title of “Athlete of the Year” upon Argentine football icon, Lionel Messi. This prestigious acknowledgment celebrates Messi’s monumental impact on the American sporting landscape, historically known for its tepid reception towards football.
In the words of Time, “Lionel Messi this year managed to do what once seemed impossible when he signed with Inter Miami: turning the US into a soccer country.” This statement resounds with the seismic influence Messi has exerted within the realm of American sports.
At the age of 36, Messi embarked on a new chapter in his illustrious career by debuting for Miami in July, navigating a tumultuous departure from Paris Saint-Germain. Notably, he rebuffed a lucrative opportunity in Saudi Arabia in favor of embracing a transformative journey within Major League Soccer (MLS).
The acclaimed eight-time Ballon d’Or winner wasted no time in leaving an indelible mark on Miami’s fortunes. His prowess on the field played a pivotal role in propelling the team to clinch the expanded Leagues Cup, a cross-border competition encompassing teams from MLS and Mexico’s top flight. Despite an injury towards the end of the season impeding his contributions to Miami’s playoff aspirations, Messi’s impact remained resoundingly felt.
Reflecting on his post-PSG ventures, Messi shared, “I tried to return, and it did not happen,” elucidating the stalled negotiations for a fairytale return to Barcelona due to the club’s financial constraints. Contemplating his next move, Messi remarked, “It was Saudi Arabia or MLS, and both options seemed very interesting to me,” encapsulating the pivotal decision-making juncture he faced.
Time Magazine unveiled the ripple effect of Messi’s arrival, catalyzing a surge in attendance, ticket sales, merchandise interest, and viewership. Astonishingly, on the day of Messi’s debut, subscriptions to Apple TV – the exclusive rights holder for MLS – soared by 110,000, marking a monumental 1,700% surge compared to the previous day.
This accolade serves as a testament to Messi’s enduring global footprint, transcending geographical boundaries and leaving an indelible legacy on the burgeoning landscape of American soccer.
