Lionel Messi, Inter Miami’s star forward, has been named the inaugural recipient of the MARCA America Award, an accolade that honors his enduring soccer legacy. Messi, already one of the most decorated athletes in history, will add this prestigious title to his collection of accolades. Throughout his illustrious career, the Argentine has secured eight Ballon d’Ors, three FIFA Best Men’s Player awards, four UEFA Champions League titles, two Copa Americas, and a FIFA World Cup, among numerous other honors. The award, given by Spain’s leading sports publication MARCA, cements Messi’s status as one of the most influential athletes worldwide, even as he continues to make waves in Major League Soccer.
MARCA, which has been a cornerstone of sports journalism for nearly a century, has previously honored global icons through its MARCA Legends Awards. Past recipients include Michael Jordan, Pele, Diego Maradona, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Tom Brady. In 2024, the outlet expanded its reach to the U.S. with the introduction of the MARCA America Award, recognizing athletes across various sports such as soccer, UFC, boxing, the NFL, MLB, and the NBA. Messi, who has made a significant impact both on and off the pitch in the U.S. with Inter Miami, becomes the first-ever winner of this new award, marking another milestone in his storied career.
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