Time commented, “Lionel Messi managed to do this year what once seemed impossible when he signed with Inter Miami: turn America into a soccer country.”
Messi, 36, made his debut for Miami in July after an acrimonious departure from Paris Saint-Germain.
The World Cup winner also rejected a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia in favor of a new chapter in MLS.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner made an immediate impact on Miami’s fortunes, playing a key role in helping the team win the expanded League Cup, a cross-border competition for teams from MLS and Mexico’s top flight.