In a groundbreaking moment, Lionel Messi has etched his name in history by becoming the inaugural male soccer player to be honored with TIME magazine’s prestigious “Athlete of the Year” award for 2023.

TIME Magazine has been annually presenting the Person of the Year award since 1927, recognizing influential figures such as Franklin D. Roosevelt, Pope John XXIII, Richard Nixon, Barack Obama, and Mark Zuckerberg. The “Athlete of the Year” accolade, however, has a more recent inception, starting in 2019 and boasting past winners like the USWNT collectively, LeBron James, Simone Biles, and Aaron Judge.

Messi’s triumph follows 352 days after he led Argentina to victory at the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup in Qatar, showcasing his exceptional leadership on the global stage. In an interview with TIME, Messi revealed that, upon departing PSG, his initial preference was to return to Barcelona.

However, due to unforeseen circumstances, that option was not viable. Despite receiving lucrative offers, including one from a club in Saudi Arabia’s Pro League, Messi ultimately chose to join Inter Miami.

“Fortunately, I had several options on the table that were interesting, and I had to analyze them and think, even weigh them up with my family, before making the final decision to come to Miami,” Messi explained. “My first option was to return to Barcelona, but it was not possible. I tried to return, and it did not happen.”