Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé have been recognized as two of the most influential athletes of 2023 by Time magazine. The annual Time 100 list honors individuals who have made significant contributions beyond their sport, and both soccer stars have been acknowledged for their achievements on and off the field.
Mbappé, at only 24 years old, is considered one of the fastest soccer players in the world and has been on the verge of winning FIFA and soccer’s most prestigious individual awards. In the 2022 World Cup, he was a dominant force for France, scoring eight goals, the most by any player in a single World Cup since Brazilian star Ronaldo in 2002. Mbappé is tied with Pele with 12 World Cup goals overall, and he needs only four more to match Miroslav Klose’s record.
Messi, on the other hand, has already achieved a remarkable career and is considered one of the greatest soccer players of all time. In December 2022, he won his first career World Cup and the tournament’s Golden Ball, given to the World Cup’s best player. Messi has won seven Ballon d’Or trophies, four Champions League titles, and has scored more than 100 goals representing Argentina.
Both, legends of the game
Both Mbappé and Messi have influenced the sport with their playing style and off-field activities. Messi’s wizardry with the ball has set a standard for playmaking that subsequent generations have attempted to emulate. Meanwhile, Mbappé’s rise from humble beginnings to international soccer stardom has been described as a “living rags-to-riches fairy tale.”
Despite their immense celebrity, both players have remained grounded with the help of their families. Mbappé’s mother instills in him the values of “respect, humility, lucidity,” while Messi’s family has supported him throughout his career and has been a source of strength during difficult times.
As athletes, both Mbappé and Messi have transcended their sport and become global icons. They have inspired countless young players and fans and have shown that with hard work, dedication, and talent, anything is possible. Time’s recognition of their achievements underscores their immense influence, not just on the field but also in society.
