Football great Lionel Messi was listed as one of the ‘100 Most Influential’ people of 2023 by Time Magazine, with Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer penning the honorary piece for the Argentine star.

Messi was listed in the ‘Titan’ section of the annual list, with the 36-year old coming off leading Argentina to a World Cup victory in Qatar last December. Furthermore, the forward is widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time, with numerous accolades at both the club and national level.

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“What stands out to me about Messi, 35, is his consistent greatness over so many years," wrote Federer. "This is so difficult to achieve, and then maintain. He dribbles like a magician, and his angular passes are works of art. His awareness and anticipation are almost beyond comprehension.

My career has just come to an end. I now realize how much weight we athletes carry. But in our daily lives, we don’t even realize it. For a football player like Messi, that weight likely feels more massive, as he represents both a world-renowned club and a very passionate country. Argentina’s World Cup victory was magnificent. Millions of fans’ taking to the streets of Buenos Aires to celebrate was an amazing moment in sports, witnessed around the world. Even those who don’t follow football must have realized the true impact of the world’s most popular game.

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Growing up, Diego Maradona and Gabriel Batistuta were my favorite Argentine players. I was lucky enough to meet both of them. They inspired me. Now Messi can inspire future generations. I can only hope we get to see his unique creativity and artistry for a little bit longer. Don’t blink too often as Messi performs on the pitch. You may miss something incredible from the man of the moment.

Thank you, Leo.”