Lionel Messi named Time Magazine’s ‘Athlete of the Year’

KATHMANDU: Argentina’s world-renowned star Lionel Messi has been awarded Time magazine’s player of the year.

Messi, who joined Miami in July, scored 11 goals in 14 games and helped the team win its first title, the League Cup.

The 36-year-old also won a record eighth Ballon d’Or last October.

“Lionel Messi turned America into a soccer nation when he joined Inter Miami this year, something that was said to be impossible,” says Time.

\According to Time magazine, the arrival of Messi has increased the number of spectators in the stadium, as well as the price of tees, merchandise sales and the number of spectators of MLS.

Earlier, gymnast Simone Biles, NBA superstar LeBron James, swimmer Michael Phelps won this title.