Lionel Messi’s influence on Major League Soccer has been nothing short of extraordinary. Since signing for Inter Miami a few months ago, the league’s stature has increased exponentially, with the MLS now getting more global attention than ever before. The same effect has been felt by Inter Miami, whose revenue and stature have also grown since Messi’s arrival.
Despite ending the season in a disappointing 14th place, Inter Miami dominated the end-of-the-year Mark Abbott MLS Club and Executive Awards. The club scooped four awards yesterday, making them the biggest winners of the night, ahead of Nashville SC, who claimed three awards.
Lionel Messi effect bags Inter Miami most year-ending awards
Everyone knew Messi would bring more than just goalscoring abilities to Inter Miami when he decided to join them last July. The Argentine’s impact goes beyond what he does on the pitch; after all, he was recently named the most marketable sportsperson on earth, ahead of LeBron James, Kylian Mbappe, Alex Morgan, and many others.
Inter Miami claimed four awards, including the Doug Hamilton Executive of the Year, Digital and Social Media Club of the Year, Marketing Initiative of the Year, and Security Club of the Year.
The Doug Hamilton Executive of the Year award was given to Xavier Asensi, who played a massive role in bringing Lionel Messi to the club. He also manages the club’s business operations, which have grown a lot in the past few moments, especially in revenue and engagement across digital and social media platforms.
Chris McGowan, MLS Executive Vice President and Chief Club Performance Officer, discussed the importance of the award. “The collective ingenuity, diligence, and passion of the executive of our clubs were a driving force behind the record-setting success of Major League Soccer in 2023,” he said.
“On behalf of everyone at the League office, congratulations to all the recipients of the Mark Abbott Club Executive Awards and to everyone who was considered for their innovative work this season,” he added.
More honors potentially coming Messi’s way
It’s been an amazing 2023 for Lionel Messi, and it could even get better with more awards coming his way before the end of the year.
The Argentine has won several individual accolades this year, including the 2023 Ballon d’Or, his eighth in his entire career. He was also recently named TIME’s 2023 Athlete of the Year, the first time a soccer player would be claiming the prestigious accolade.
Lionel Messi has made the list of IFFHS Men’s World Best Playmaker for 2023 alongside compatriot and fellow World Cup winner Angel Di Maria.
However, they face stiff competition to claim the award, as other big names, including Kevin De Bruyne, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Pedri, Toni Kross, and Toni Kross, among many others, are also on the list.
Can Lionel Messi and Inter Miami reach the MLS playoffs next season?
