Soccer superstar Lionel Messi was named Athlete of the Year by Time Magazine on Wednesday, thanks in large part to his decision to bring his talents to Inter Miami and ultimately raise the profile of Major League Soccer.
The honor comes just over a year from Messi's win with Argentina at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. In July, the 36-year-old left Ligue 1 leader Paris Saint-Germain for Inter Miami.
In a recent interview in his home country of Argentina pertaining to his availability for the 2026 World Cup, soccer superstar Lionel Messi called Major League Soccer – his current home – "a minor league."
The comment to Star+ came in the context of laying out his priorities, which continue to be trying to support his national team to the fullest. That includes competing in next summer's Copa America for Argentina.
In a recent interview in his home country of Argentina pertaining to his availability for the 2026 World Cup, soccer superstar Lionel Messi called Major League Soccer -- his current home -- "a minor league."
The comment to Star+ came in the context of laying out his priorities, which continue to be trying to support his national team to the fullest. That includes competing in next summer's Copa America for Argentina.
RIO DE JANEIRO — Argentina captain Lionel Messi accused the Brazilian police of brutality as the start of their World Cup qualifier against Brazil was delayed by half an hour after clashes between police and visiting fans at Maracanã Stadium on Tuesday.
Brazilian and Argentine fans started fighting behind one of the goals during the national anthems, prompting police to charge at the travelling contingent with night sticks drawn.
UPDATE: Inter Miami have released a statement that the reports of the club's participation in the Riyadh Season Cup is inaccurate.
Inter Miami statement on rumored friendly vs. Al-Nassr, calling the news “inaccurate”:
“Earlier today, an announcement was issued stating that Inter Miami CF is scheduled to play in the Riyadh Season Cup. This is inaccurate.” pic.twitter.com/DoRsm2kp30
One of the most exciting tournaments in the world is returning to the United States.
The Copa America will be back in the United States and will — like in the Copa America Centenario in 2016 — feature six guest nations from Concacaf but now as part of the federation’s “strategic collaboration agreement to strengthen and develop football in both regions” with CONMEBOL that was announced earlier this summer.
The collaboration also includes the Concacaf Women's Gold Cup and a new club competition.
Inter Miami played an organized friendly vs. New York City FC on Friday to celebrate Lionel Messi’s eighth Ballon d’Or. The game was dubbed the “Noche d’Or” but ended as a night of horror as NYCFC spoiled the night with a 2-1 win.
The festivities at DRV PNK Stadium started upbeat with Messi presenting his legendary eighth Ballon d’Or award to the fans.
Leo Messi presents the Ballon d'Or in front of Inter Miami's fans pic.twitter.com/NYM2aunk92
The anticipation of Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez joining Inter Miami continues to grow and he gave a preview of what his time in Major League Soccer could look like on Thursday.
With his side Gremio trailing Brazilian Série A league leaders Botafogo 3-1, Suárez netted a hat trick in the span of 19 minutes to pull his side ahead.
Suárez may be turning 37 next January, but he’s shown that he hasn’t lost any of his goal scoring abilities.
Inter Miami look to be adding even more firepower to their star-studded roster next season with the addition of Luis Suárez. Top Argentine reporter César Luis Merlo reported the Suárez Inter Miami transfer news.
Lionel Messi scored and assisted for fun.
The ongoing debate on whether or not Lionel Messi deserved the Ballon d’Or this year over Erling Haaland will probably go on for years to come. The head-to-head between the two for the award has arguably been one of the most divisive in recent years.