Major League Soccer season was undeniably the year of Lionel Messi. The World Cup champion and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner arrived at Inter Miami this summer and changed the league.

Time Magazine named Lionel Messi its Athlete of the Year for 2023, following his blockbuster move to play for Major League Soccer's Inter Miami in the United States.  The 36-year-old's decision to sign with the club was lauded for its potential to raise the profile of the league,

The magnitude of his decision to join MLS cannot be overstated,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber said of Inter Miami star Lionel Messi.

MLS commissioner Don Garber said that the 2023 season was a "transformational year," and he believes that Lionel Messi joining Inter Miami was a key factor

Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber says his league has enjoyed a "transformational year" crediting the arrival of Lionel Messi and the broadcast deal with Apple TV for unprecedented interest.