Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (10) celebrates after scoring his side's third goal against Orlando City during the second half of their Leagues Cup soccer match, on Aug 2, 2023, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (PHOTO / AP)

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has been named Time magazine's Athlete of the Year for 2023 after winning the Ballon d'Or for a record-extending eighth time and elevating the profile of the sport in the US with his move to Inter Miami.

Messi played a key role in guiding Argentina to their first World Cup title in 36 years when they beat defending champions France in the final in December last year.

The 36-year-old had no shortage of offers when he left Paris St Germain earlier this year, choosing to sign for Major League Soccer's Inter Miami despite being linked with his former team Barcelona and a big-money move to Saudi side Al-Hilal.

Inter Miami CF's Argentine forward Lionel Messi reacts on stage next to his trophy as he receives his 8th Ballon d'Or award during the 2023 Ballon d'Or France Football award ceremony at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris on Oct 30, 2023. (PHOTO / AFP)

"The truth is that fortunately, I had several options on the table that were interesting, and I had to analyse them and think, even weigh them up with my family, before making the final decision to come to Miami," Messi told Time.

Messi made an instant impact at Miami, scoring 10 goals in seven Leagues Cup appearances as he spurred them to victory in the tournament which features MLS teams as well as sides from Mexico.

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The Argentine's arrival in the US also made waves off the pitch, causing a massive spike in searches for match dates and tickets to see him in action, with fans also buying up his official pink Inter Miami shirt.

Argentina's forward Lionel Messi (center) controls the ball during the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualification football match between Argentina and Paraguay at the Mas Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, on Oct 12, 2023. (PHOTO / AFP)

The price of tickets to Inter Miami games skyrocketed, while Apple TV, which has a 10-year partnership with the MLS, saw a significant increase in subscriptions, according to research firm Antenna.

"Messi managed to do what once seemed impossible: turning the US into a soccer country," Time wrote.

READ MORE: Messi named in Argentina squad for World Cup qualifiers

Simone Biles, LeBron James and the United States women's soccer team have won the award in recent years, with Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees winning in 2022.