Argentine star Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe of France were named among Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2023. 

Time listed the PSG duo, who featured for their respective national teams at the Qatar World Cup 2022 finals, in its Thursday issue.

Messi was named in the Titans category. 

The 35-year old, seven-time Ballon d’Or winner made the list for his sterling performance in the World Cup for how he powered Argentina to their third World Cup victory.

“Lionel Messi’s goal-scoring records and championship wins need no recounting here. He dribbles like a magician, and his angular passes are works of art. His awareness and anticipation are almost beyond comprehension,” Time said.

Named in the  Innovators category, Mbappe, 24, had brilliant performances at the World Cup, inspiring the French national side to a runners up finish.

“France’s newly minted soccer captain is not one to hide his emotions. In December, two days before his 24th birthday, the world watched as he slumped devastated on the pitch in Qatar, having scored three goals, but missing out on his second World Cup victory,” Time said.