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.

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

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

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.

Atlanta United striker Giorgos Giakoumakis was named the 2023 MLS Newcomer of the Year on Thursday.

2023 MLS Newcomer of the Year

An immediate impact in the ️.

Newcomer of the Year: Giorgos Giakoumakis. pic.twitter.com/AyHGq9slod

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 2, 2023

Lionel Messi was voted as the best player in the world on Monday winning his eighth Ballon d’Or award. A new thing fans got to see is a Messi rings photo with the Inter Miami star having specially made rings for each of his Ballon d’Or wins.

The 36-year-old Argentine and adidas teamed up to make the iconic photo happen as it’s a nod to the legendary basketball star Bill Russell who passed away last year.

Russell won eight consecutive championships from 1959 to 1966 and took a historic photo wearing all the championship rings.

Some Major League Soccer fans weren’t pleased to hear the news that Lionel Messi was one of three finalists for the MLS Newcomer of the Year award. While the Argentine World Cup winner dominated headlines, he only made six MLS appearances.

Messi joins Atlanta United striker Giorgos Giakoumakis and St. Louis City midfielder Eduard Löwen as the finalists for the newcomer award.

Here’s a brief overview of the three players’ MLS stats this season.

Giakoumakis