Heads Up on Lionel Messi Athlete of the Year 2023 Recognition
Lionel Messi, a name synonymous with football greatness, etched a new chapter in the annals of soccer history
on July 21, 2023. In the heart of Fort Lauderdale, the maestro made his Major League Soccer (MLS) debut
adorned in the distinctive pink jersey of Inter Miami, a moment that felt like a surreal intersection of
sporting legends and global icons.
This blog unwraps the remarkable narrative of Messi’s journey to MLS, delving into the intricacies of his
decision-making process, the strategic moves that unfolded, and the unparalleled impact this football
luminary has had on the landscape of U.S. soccer. From the historic World Cup triumph to the pink-hued
spectacle in Miami, Messi’s 2023 journey is more than a sports saga—it’s a seismic shift that has
transformed the perception of soccer in the United States.
Messi’s Unforgettable MLS Debut
Lionel Messi’s debut in Major League Soccer (MLS) will forever be etched in the memories of soccer
enthusiasts worldwide. On July 21, 2023, at Fort Lauderdale’s DRV PNK Stadium, Messi took to the field in a
pink Inter Miami jersey—a sight unimaginable for those accustomed to seeing him in the colors of Barcelona or
Paris Saint-Germain.
The game itself unfolded in dramatic fashion, a testament to Messi’s uncanny ability to seize the spotlight
when it matters most. The final seconds of his MLS debut presented a free kick opportunity—a scenario that
has often been Messi’s canvas for crafting moments of pure brilliance.
DeAndre Yedlin, Inter Miami’s defender, who shared the World Cup stage with Messi, found himself on the
sideline with a right calf cramp just before Messi’s free-kick moment. Even cautioning his coach, Gerardo
“Tata” Martino, against choosing him for a penalty kick after the inevitable 1-1 draw, Yedlin couldn’t shake
the doubt. Martino, familiar with Messi’s magic from managing him in Argentina and FC Barcelona, assured
Yedlin that Messi would seal the game. “I was like, OK,” says Yedlin, not entirely convinced.
Placing the ball on the grass, Messi prepared for the kick, transcending the presence of celebrities like
Kim Kardashian and LeBron James in the crowd. As the shot curled around a wall of Cruz Azul players,
Yedlin, standing behind Messi on the field, couldn’t resist spreading his arms in a victory pose. “You know
when you can just feel something?” says Yedlin. The ball continued bending, eluding the goalkeeper’s reach
and sending fans at DRV PNK Stadium and millions worldwide into absolute hysteria. David Beckham, Inter
Miami’s co-owner, moved to tears, described the moment as something you “couldn’t have written better.” The
goal was not just for MLS, but for America and the future of the game.
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Messi’s Decision to Join Inter Miami
The unlikely tale of Messi’s arrival in South Florida traces back to January 2018 when Inter Miami announced
its entry into MLS. Co-owned by David Beckham and the Mas brothers, the team had an audacious dream—to lure
Lionel Messi to their ranks. Skepticism surrounded the ambition, with many considering it “out of their
league.”
However, a meeting in Barcelona in September 2019, facilitated by Messi’s longtime sponsor Adidas, laid the
foundation for the ambitious pursuit. Beckham, Jorge Mas, and Messi’s father and agent, Jorge Messi,
discussed the vision for the club and how Messi could seamlessly integrate into the predominantly Hispanic
city of Miami.
Despite the initial hesitation, Mas persisted. During MLS negotiations with Apple TV in 2022, Mas shared his
pursuit of Messi with Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of services. Mas drew a parallel, likening it
to the London basketball league signing LeBron James. Despite initial skepticism, the persistent Mas, in
September 2022, secured crucial face time with Messi during Argentina’s pre-World Cup training camp in
Miami.
World Cup Triumph and Messi’s Impact
Messi’s narrative took a fascinating turn as the World Cup in Qatar approached in November 2022. While many
believed a World Cup victory would make Messi’s move to MLS impossible, Mas saw it differently. Attending
every Argentina game and witnessing Messi’s spectacular performance in the final, Mas believed that the World
Cup win was the crowning achievement Messi needed to embark on a new chapter.
Talks between Inter Miami and Messi’s camp progressed, and the deal sweetened with a slice of Apple’s
international subscription revenues—a testament to Messi’s potential to transform the sport’s landscape in
the U.S. Despite concerns, particularly from Barcelona, Beckham and Mas succeeded in convincing Messi that South
Florida, much like the welcoming embrace in L.A., would be an ideal home for his family. The announcement on
June 7, 2023, that Messi would be joining Inter Miami sent shockwaves globally. What made the move even more
astonishing was not just its scale but the groundbreaking terms of the deal.
In addition to the substantial annual payment from Inter Miami, Messi secured an ownership stake in the team
upon retirement and a share of revenues from the league’s media partner—Apple in this case. The magnitude of
the deal not only reflected Messi’s enduring prowess on the field but set a new standard for athlete
empowerment and leverage.
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Messi’s Impact on MLS
Messi’s arrival in the U.S. was nothing short of a whirlwind. Scoring 10 goals in seven Leagues Cup games,
he propelled Inter Miami to the championship, showcasing his prowess even in a new league. While a nagging
injury slowed his pace come September, the impact was already monumental. At 36, with two decades of an
unparalleled career behind him, Messi injected a singular stimulus into American soccer.
His influence extended beyond the pitch, transcending traditional barriers that had limited soccer’s appeal
in the United States. Attendance figures soared, ticket prices experienced an upward surge, merchandise sales
hit new heights, and viewership numbers painted the picture of a sport experiencing a revival. Messi’s games
became more than mere sporting events—they became religious revivals.
Rapper Fat Joe’s emotional outburst on Instagram after Messi’s goal against the New York Red Bulls in August
exemplified this phenomenon. “Messi! Messi! Messi!” shouted Fat Joe, capturing the sentiment of a man who,
despite not being an ardent soccer fan, felt electrified in Messi’s presence. Messi, indeed, proved to be a
culture shifter—a true G.O.A.T.
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As the anticipation builds, securing your spot in the stands becomes a top priority. For a chance to be part of the electrifying soccer atmosphere, purchase your tickets now. Click here to access the ticket sale webpage.
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Soccer in the U.S.: Transformed by Messi
For decades, soccer faced challenges in fully captivating the U.S. sports market. Whether it was the perceived
lack of goal scoring, the comparative non-violence to football or the lesser perceived fun compared to
basketball, soccer struggled to claim its stake. However, recent years have witnessed a remarkable shift, and
with the U.S. slated to host three major international tournaments in the next three years, including the
2026 World Cup, the trajectory was promising.
Lionel Messi emerged as the accelerant the sport needed in the U.S. With the world’s most revered and
influential athlete gracing the fields of Miami for at least the next two years—and still clinching the
Ballon d’Or as the world’s player of the year in late October—the U.S. has embraced soccer with an
unprecedented fervor. It’s not just a soccer nation; it’s now a fútbol nation.
Follow for more updates and highlights, as the beautiful game weaves its unpredictable story, where legends are born, and resilience shines brightest in the face of adversity.
Messi to Inter Miami: Origins of an Unlikely Journey
The improbable story of Messi’s presence in South Florida traces back to January 2018 when Inter Miami
declared its expansion into MLS, envisioning a debut in 2020. Co-owned by David Beckham and the Mas brothers,
the team set its sights on the unimaginable—enticing Lionel Messi to join their ranks. The laughter from those
who deemed it improbable resonated, but for the Mas brothers, it was a pursuit worth the incredulity.
A meeting in Barcelona in September 2019, facilitated by Messi’s sponsor Adidas, marked a crucial chapter in
this audacious journey. Beckham, Jorge Mas, and Messi’s father and agent, Jorge Messi, engaged in a
conversation that would shape the future of soccer in Miami. The vision laid out during that meeting—the
integration of Messi into a city predominantly Hispanic—seemed like a dream in 2019 but a potential reality
in 2021.
Mas’s Persistence and the Apple Deal
While Messi’s departure from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2021 added a layer of
complexity to the pursuit, Jorge Mas remained undeterred. Amid MLS negotiations with Apple TV in 2022, Mas
shared his audacious plan with Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of services. Drawing parallels to the
hypothetical signing of LeBron James by the London basketball league, Mas aimed for the stars.
The turning point came in September 2022 when Argentina held a pre-World Cup training camp in Miami. This
provided Mas with invaluable face time with Messi. His message was clear—to Messi, the opportunity to change
the landscape of a sport in a country was a rare occurrence, an opportunity to be a true game-changer in the
history of soccer. By this point, Mas had elevated the pursuit to a level where it was not merely about the
financials; it was about legacy, influence, and a chance to leave an indelible mark.
World Cup Victory and the Big Decision
Messi’s decision-making process unfolded against the backdrop of his triumphant World Cup victory in 2022.
Leading Argentina to its first World Cup win in almost four decades, Messi etched his name in history. The
question of his next move loomed large—return to Barcelona, further empower Saudi Arabia, or embark on a
groundbreaking journey in the U.S.?
In an interview with TIME, Messi revealed the intricate web of considerations that shaped his decision. A
Barcelona homecoming was his initial preference, but circumstances dictated otherwise. Saudi Arabia, with its
burgeoning sports scene and Messi’s role as a tourism ambassador, posed a tempting alternative. The final
crossroads featured a choice between Saudi Arabia and MLS, both brimming with intriguing possibilities.
Messi’s shocking rejection of a mega-deal with a Saudi club, coupled with his June announcement of joining
Inter Miami, sent shockwaves through the football world. The size and scope of the deal, combined with the
unexpected destination, marked a turning point not just in Messi’s career but in the broader narrative of
athlete contracts and influence.
Messi’s Impact on MLS: A Phenomenon
Messi wasted no time leaving an indelible mark on Major League Soccer. Scoring 10 goals in seven Leagues
Cup games, he propelled Inter Miami to the championship, validating the audacious deal. A temporary slowdown in
MLS pace due to a lingering injury did little to dampen the enthusiasm. At 36, Messi continued to be a
singular force, offering a unique stimulus to American soccer.
The impact extended beyond the field. Inter Miami’s home attendance surged by 40%, an unprecedented spike in
the league. Messi’s aura drove fans not only to the stadiums but also to screens. The pink Messi jersey
became a global sensation, and Apple TV witnessed an unprecedented surge in subscriptions after Messi’s
debut. It was a testament to Messi’s transcendent appeal, reaching far beyond the soccer purists.
Messi vs. Detractors: Silencing the Skeptics
Detractors questioned Messi’s success in MLS, attributing it to inferior competition. However, a closer look
dispels this notion. Messi’s dominance wasn’t confined to Miami; it echoed across continents. Winning the
Golden Ball as the outstanding player at the World Cup and maintaining an exceptional record in Europe’s top
leagues showcased the universality of his talent.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber dismissed the skeptics, emphasizing Messi’s prowess beyond the U.S. borders.
American audiences, unfazed by the competition level, reveled in the opportunity to witness Messi live. Inter
Miami’s home attendance, averaging over 30,000 fans, set a new benchmark. Messi had become a catalyst for the
surge of interest in American soccer.
Future of American Soccer with Messi
With Messi’s presence at its peak and the U.S. already positioned as a contender for the 2026 World Cup on
home soil, the future looks promising. The Messi effect has transformed conversations around soccer in the
country. Teams are now eyeing MLS as a viable option for international players still in their prime.
FC Dallas President Dan Hunt attested to the shifting landscape, revealing ongoing conversations with
high-profile players previously deemed unreachable. The player pool from 17 to 35, considered the greatest in
U.S. soccer history, is now poised to inspire an even more formidable generation. Messi’s influence extends
beyond the pitch, shaping the trajectory of American soccer for decades to come.
Time Magazine Athlete of the Year 2023
The crowning moment came on December 6, 2023, when Lionel Messi was named Time magazine’s Athlete of the
Year. Winning the Ballon d’Or for the eighth time and elevating the profile of soccer in the U.S., Messi
cemented his status as a global icon. His impact on and off the field resonates far beyond the traditional
boundaries of sports, marking a pivotal moment in the intersection of sports and culture.
Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami Presentation Event La Presentasion
Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami Presentation Event La Presentasion
Messi’s Legacy in the U.S.
Lionel Messi’s journey to Inter Miami was more than a transfer; it was a seismic shift in the landscape of American soccer. From the unlikely pursuit by Inter Miami to the groundbreaking terms of his deal, Messi’s
impact has been transformative. The surge in interest, attendance records, and global recognition reaffirm
that Messi isn’t just an athlete; he’s a catalyst for change.
As the U.S. eagerly anticipates hosting major soccer tournaments, Messi stands as the symbol of a sport that
has finally found its place in the American sports tapestry. The Messi effect goes beyond wins and goals;
it’s about inspiring a new generation and reshaping the narrative of soccer in the United States.
